Physical

Education
Framework

Senior Cycle
Contents

Senior cycle 4
Senior cycle physical education 8
Introduction 8
SCPE and wellbeing 9
Aim and objectives 9
Inclusion 10
Related learning 10
Physical education and lifelong learning 11

The framework 13
Structure 13
Which physical activities? 16
Time allocation 16
Key skills in senior cycle 17
Teaching and learning in SCPE 18

Curriculum models 19
Health-related physical activity 19
Sport education 21
Contemporary issues in physical activity 23
Adventure education 25
Personal and social responsibility 27
Teaching games for understanding 29

Assessment 31
Appendices 33
Appendix A: Management of portfolios 33
Appendix B: Sample items for inclusion in a portfolio 34
Appendix C: Item selection for showcase portfolio 35

References 35
1
Senior cycle
Learners in senior cycle are approaching the end of their time in school and are focusing on the
directions they would like to take in their future lives. Senior cycle plays a vital role in helping learners
to address their current needs as young adults and in preparing them for life in a changing economic
and social context.

Senior cycle is founded on a commitment to educational achievement of the highest standard for all
learners, commensurate with their individual abilities. To support learners as they shape their own
future, there is an emphasis on the development of knowledge and deep understanding; on learners
taking responsibility for their own learning; on the acquisition of key skills; and on the processes of
learning. The broad curriculum, with some opportunities for specialisation, supports continuity from
junior cycle and sets out to meet the needs of learners, some of whom have special educational needs,
but who all share a wide range of learning interests, aptitudes and talents.

Curriculum components at senior cycle promote a balance between knowledge and skills, and the
kinds of learning strategies needed to participate in and contribute to a changing world where the
future is uncertain. For an overview of senior cycle, see Figure 1 on p. 7.

Assessment in senior cycle involves gathering, interpreting and using information about the processes
and outcomes of learning. It takes different forms and is used for a variety of purposes. It is used to
determine the appropriate route for learners through a differentiated curriculum, to identify specific
areas of difficulty or strength for a given student and to test and certify achievement. Assessment
supports and improves learning by helping learners and teachers to identify the next steps in the
teaching and learning process.

4 Physical Education Senior cycle

The experience of senior cycle
The vision of senior cycle education sees the learner at the centre of the educational experience. That
experience will enable learners to be resourceful, to be confident, to participate actively in society, and to
build an interest in learning throughout their future lives.

This vision of the learner (Figure 2 on p. 8) is underpinned by the values and principles on which the senior
cycle curriculum is built. The curriculum, including subjects and courses, embedded key skills, clearly
expressed learning outcomes, and diverse approaches to assessment is the vehicle through which the vision
becomes a reality for the learner.

At a practical level, the provision of a high quality educational experience in senior cycle is supported by

 effective curriculum planning, development, organisation and evaluation

 teaching and learning approaches that motivate and interest learners, that enable them to progress,
deepen and apply their learning, and that develop their capacity to reflect on their learning

 professional development for teachers and school management that enables them to lead curriculum
development and change in their schools

 a school culture that respects learners, that encourages them to take responsibility for their own
learning over time, and that promotes a love of learning.

Physical Education Senior Cycle 5

 Figure 1: Overview of senior cycle

g
rnin CYCLE CURR
a IOR Pl
Le EN ICU
LU an
d E S
PRINCIPLES M
TH
an

ni
ng
g
in

VALUES 
ch
Tea

LEARNERS
resourceful, confident,
engaged and active
Te ac
er h
Pr

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of

lt u
es
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na
Cu

lD o l
ev ho
elo Sc
pm
ent

THE SENIOR CYCLE PRINCIPLES VALUES

CURRICULUM
quality human dignity and
learning outcomes respect
inclusive education
key skills equality and inclusion
continuity
subjects justice and fairness
choice and flexibility
short courses freedom and democracy
participation, relevance
transition units and enjoyment
assessment well-being
certification creativity and
innovation
guidance
lifelong learning

6 Physical Education Senior cycle

Figure 2: The vision of the learner

RESOURCEFUL CONFIDENT
they show their imagination, they develop their physical and
intelligence, intuition and other mental well-being and
talents through
become self-aware
curiosity
have high self-efficacy
enquiry
engage with ethics, values and beliefs
open-mindedness
welcome opportunities
reflection
can cope with setbacks
connecting learning
can effect positive change
innovation

problem solving

creativity

LEARNERS
resourceful, confident,
ENGAGED engaged and active
ACTIVE
they participate in the LEARNERS
social, community, national
they pursue excellence in
and international dimensions
learning to the best of their ability
of their lives by
and develop a love of learning by
showing respect for others
seeking and using knowledge, and
forming and sustaining caring understanding how knowledge is
relationships created
making informed decisions
experiencing passion for, rigour in and
building practical know-how commitment to learning
taking interest in and responsibility for developing intellectual and critical
their social and physical environment thinking skills
developing moral/ethical and political
understanding exercising autonomy and
independence in learning
making lifestyle choices that are
sustainable managing their learning and making
learning choices
contributing to their own material
wellbeing and the material wellbeing setting and achieving learning goals
of society
pursuing learning qualifications

Physical Education Senior Cycle 7

2
Senior cycle physical education
Introduction
Physical education is an integral part of young people’s education in senior cycle. As a result of their
learning in physical education, young people can increase their enjoyment, confidence and competence
in a range of physical activities. They can learn about health-related fitness and to take responsibility
for being physically active now and in the future. Overall, they can develop positive attitudes to
physical activity and its importance in a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

As part of senior cycle education, it is envisaged that physical education will be available in two forms.
Leaving Certificate Physical Education as a subject which will be assessed as part of the Leaving
Certificate examinations is under development. The senior cycle physical education (SCPE) framework
has a different purpose and focus. It provides a flexible planning tool for physical education for all
students in senior cycle and will not be assessed as part of the Leaving Certificate examination.

Young people in this group bring a wide variety of skills, talents and levels of motivation to their
learning in physical education. They are represented at all points of the physical activity continuum.
Some young people are regularly active and/or participate at a very high level of performance.
However, there are others who are not meeting the physical activity recommendations for young
people (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015).

Students’ learning in physical education supports the overall vision of senior cycle education which
is to develop students as resourceful, confident, engaged and active learners. Learners grow in
confidence and competence as they acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to enjoy
and succeed in a variety of physical activities while in senior cycle and in their future lives. Physical
activity, in its many forms, provides the medium through which students learn in, through and about
physical education.

Learners can experience success in different ways in physical education. For some, the pursuit of
excellence and the achievement of sporting goals will be the focus. For some, organising, leading and
facilitating others to be physically active will be the measure of success. For others, including regular
physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle will represent a successful outcome.

The use of different curriculum models in conjunction with those physical activities selected by a class
group and their teacher is at the heart of teaching and learning in SCPE. By using different curriculum
models, learners can be encouraged not only to improve their performance in different physical
activities but also to develop their understanding of the factors which impact on their personal
performance and participation in physical activity.

Learners can be encouraged to undertake different roles and responsibilities, including leadership,
coaching and officiating roles. They can learn to plan, organise, participate in and reflect on their
experiences in physical activity. Students can learn about fair play, team work and how to relate to one
another respectfully. As a result, they learn to be effective in the different competitive, creative and
challenging situations that participation in physical activity continually offers them.

8 Physical Education Senior cycle physical education

SCPE and wellbeing
In this course, students can learn about the importance of being physically active as part of a healthy
lifestyle. Learners in senior cycle are at an important stage in their lives where they make their own
decisions on whether or how they will include physical activity as part of their lifestyle. Learning
in senior cycle physical education is designed to ensure that students appreciate the importance of
physical activity not only for their physical wellbeing but also their social and psychological wellbeing.
Regular physical activity is universally accepted as being central to overall health and wellbeing. The
recommended level of physical activity for young people is at least sixty minutes of moderate intensity
activity each day of the week (CDC, 2010).

The school is a key setting and young people a major target in strategies to promote health-enhancing
levels of physical activity for all. Physical education has an important contribution to make in
supporting young people to discover ways in which they can enjoy and commit to regular physical
activity. As a result of their learning in senior cycle physical education, students should have a greater
sense of their own agency and commitment to regular health-enhancing physical activity as part of
a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved where students are engaged in collaborative planning with
their teacher about which activities they will participate in and what learning outcomes they will
focus on.

Aim and objectives

Aim

The aim of the senior cycle physical education framework is to encourage learners’ confident,
enjoyable and informed participation in physical activity while in senior cycle and in their future lives.

Objectives

The objectives of senior cycle physical education are to support learners in

 developing confidence, competence and creativity in a range of physical activities

 participating in physical activity both inside and beyond school

 examining the value of physical activity in different contexts

 understanding and committing to physical activity which develops health-related

physical fitness

 undertaking different roles in physical activity

 demonstrating responsible social and personal behaviour in physical activity, including respect for self
and others

 acting as informed participants in physical activity.

Physical Education Senior Cycle 9

 Inclusion
Senior cycle physical education is designed to encourage learners’ active participation in physical
education irrespective of their level of ability and/or commitment to physical activity. The flexible
nature of the framework facilitates learners in achieving goals that are meaningful and relevant to
them.

In SCPE, specific physical activities are not the primary focus when planning for teaching and
learning. Rather, they provide the medium through which students learn in physical education.
Teachers are encouraged to negotiate which physical activities are included so that learning in class is
meaningful and of interest.

The differentiated use of a variety of learning approaches and the modification of equipment,
including adapted and/or assistive equipment, are central to creating and maintaining an inclusive
learning environment in physical education.

Related learning
Leaving Certificate Physical Education provides continuity and progression in physical education that
begins in the learner’s early childhood education, through the Primary School Curriculum and junior
cycle physical education.

10
Figure 3: Continuity and related learning in senior cycle physical education

 The Aistear framework celebrates early childhood as a time of wellbeing and

enjoyment where children learn from experiences as they unfold.
 Under the theme of Wellbeing, physical wellbeing is recognised as being important
Early for learning and development as it enables children to explore, to investigate, and to
childhood challenge themselves in the environment. A growing awareness of their bodies and
physical abilities is part of this.

 Physical education in the primary curriculum provides a balanced range of

activities for children and encourages schools to adopt a flexible approach to
planning for physical education.
 The curriculum includes six strands: athletics, dance, gymnastics, games, outdoor
Primary and adventure activities, and aquatics.

Junior cycle physical education

Learners continue to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes in physical education
through the statements of learning which provide the basis for planning a new junior
Junior cycle. Of particular relevance are
cycle
 SOL 12: The student is a confident and competent participant in physical activity and
is motivated to be physically active.
 SOL 11: The student takes action to safeguard and promote her/his wellbeing and
that of others.
 SOL 4: The student creates and presents artistic works and appreciates the process
and skills involved.
Wellbeing is an area of learning in Junior Cycle. Physical Education is one of the four
pillars in the Wellbeing curriculum. The NCCA Physical Education short course draws
on the Junior Cycle Physical Education framework and includes learning outcomes
which address the important learning in Junior Cycle Physical Education. By completing
the short course students have the opportunity to include their learning on their Junior
Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).

Physical Education Senior Cycle 11

 Physical education and lifelong learning
The framework for senior cycle physical education provides opportunities for learners to prepare for
further study in a range of areas, for example in the teaching, coaching and healthcare professions.
In addition to its vocational value, students’ learning in physical education provides them with
knowledge, skills and understanding that will support lifelong informed participation and/or the
pursuit of excellence in their own sporting and physical activity pursuits. There is a substantial body
of research which identifies the lifelong benefits of regular participation in physical activity for health
and wellbeing (C3 Collaborating for Health, 2011).

The emphasis on the development of key skills in the SCPE framework will support learners’
effective engagement in a variety of further education opportunities where self-direction, leadership,
organisational skills and reflection
are important.

The SCPE framework has the potential to make a significant contribution to enhancing learners’
commitment to lifelong participation in physical activity. Learners can be encouraged to explore
physical activity opportunities within and beyond the school. As they do so, they can become
informed participants in physical activity as they reflect on the community and societal factors that
support or hinder lifelong participation in physical activity. Learners can be encouraged to act as
advocates for physical activity, both by their personal example and in their contribution to the various
initiatives in sport and physical activity, in school and in the community.

12 Physical Education Senior Cycle

3
The framework
Structure
The framework for senior cycle physical education is structured around six curriculum models.
Curriculum models are theme-based and reflect a specific philosophy about what is most important
in physical education. Each model provides a detailed map for decision-making about teaching and
learning. This map focuses on a detailed approach, including a rationale, planning, implementation and
assessment functions. The learner is the central consideration when planning using the models with
due regard to the resources available in the school. While each model provides a unique set of learning
experiences, it is up to the physical education teacher to decide which models will be included in their
physical education curriculum in senior cycle. As teachers build their familiarity with the models, it is
envisaged that a greater range of models will be included.

The six curriculum models are as follows:

Health-related physical activity

developing learners’ understanding of health-related physical activity for now and in the future.

Sport education
providing learners with an enjoyable and authentic experience of organised physical activity as they
learn to perform playing and non-playing roles.

Contemporary issues in physical activity

encouraging learners to critically reflect on their own and others’ experiences in physical activity
and sport.

Adventure education
encouraging learners to challenge themselves and co-operate with others as they learn to solve
physical activity challenges.

Personal and social responsibility

encouraging learners to take responsibility for themselves and their learning in physical education
class including respecting the rights and feelings of others.

Teaching games for understanding

developing learners’ tactical awareness and decision-making skills in a variety of games.

Physical Education Senior Cycle 13

 The unique characteristics of a curriculum model are referred to as the core elements. These core
elements include the content and the teaching strategies that are seen as being central to providing
learners with an authentic and worthwhile experience of a particular model.

Each model can be used as ‘stand-alone’ or combined with other models. In some instances, a teacher
may choose to use a combination of two models in order to ensure that learners are physically active
whilst also being involved in learning about physical activity, an example being the frequent use of
Contemporary issues in physical activity with Sport education.

Once the curriculum model or combination of models has been selected, the appropriate teaching
strategies to guide instruction and facilitate learning for all students in the class are identified. Some
curriculum models are linked directly to particular teaching strategies which support learners in
achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Senior cycle physical education is planned in blocks of work. The physical education teacher decides
which model or combinations of models will be the focus in each block of work. They then, in
consultation with students, select the learning outcomes that will be addressed. While it is not
envisaged that all learning outcomes will be included, the selected learning outcomes should prioritise
learning in the essential elements outlined in each of the models. It is important that learners have
sufficient time and experience of the particular model(s) being studied to fully benefit from the
different teaching and learning experiences provided by it. It is recommended that not less than
three and not more than five blocks of work should be included in each year of senior cycle physical
education.

Planning for each block of work can be framed in relation to the following questions:
 Which objectives of senior cycle physical education are to be addressed in this block of work?

 Which curriculum model(s) can best support the achievement of these objectives?

 Which learning outcomes in the model(s) will be addressed in this block of work?

 Which of the physical activities that will engage students will work well with this curriculum model?

 Which teaching strategies can best enable learners to be successful in achieving these learning
outcomes?

 What evidence of learning could students provide during, and/or at the completion of, the block of
work? This evidence can be stored in the portfolio.

The framework is designed to provide a flexible collaborative approach to planning for physical
education in senior cycle. The importance of planning within the unique context of each school is
recognised here. School settings, facilities, personnel, expertise, the characteristics of the particular
class and learners’ interests are all significant considerations in the selection and sequencing of
appropriate learning outcomes and approaches to assessment. A double period per week is required to
support this learning. Tables 1 and 2 below provide an overview of two sample programmes in senior
cycle physical education.

Transition Year physical education can be planned exclusively using the framework for senior
cycle physical education. Alternatively, there are a number of transition units designed for physical
education, for example, sports coaching, which may be used in conjunction with the framework.
Teachers are also encouraged to design their own transition units. Guidelines for the design of such
units are available at www.ncca.ie/SeniorCycle.

14 Physical Education Senior Cycle

The following are examples of what a two-year or a three-year plan for senior cycle physical education
might include.

Table 1: Two-year planning for senior cycle physical education

Year Blocks of work

A B C
1 Teaching games for under- Sport education Adventure education
standing and
Contemporary issues in
physical activity

2 Health-related physical Sport education Contemporary issues in

activity and physical activity
Personal and social responsi- and
bility (Combined) Adventure education (Com-
bined)

Table 2: Three-year planning for senior cycle physical education

Year Blocks of work

A B C D
1 Sport education Health-related physi- Physical education Personal and social
cal activity transition unit responsibility

2 Teaching games for Sport education Adventure education

understanding and
and Contemporary issues
Personal and social in
responsibility physical activity

3 Health-related physi- Sport education Contemporary issues

cal activity in physical activity
and
Adventure education

Physical Education Senior Cycle 15

 Which physical activities?
The choice of physical activity is important for learners’ successful and enjoyable experiences in
physical education. The main criteria for the selection of an activity are that learners are interested in
the activity, the school can facilitate it, the selected learning outcomes can be addressed through the
activity and it is possible to assess students’ learning.

For example, tag rugby could be used in conjunction with five of the six curriculum models. Students
could learn about Health-related physical activity, Personal and social responsibility, Contemporary
issues in physical activity, Teaching games for understanding, and Sport education through the
medium of tag rugby. In another example, dance could be used in conjunction with the following
models: Health-related physical activity, Personal and social responsibility, Contemporary issues in
physical activity, and Sport education.

The selection of physical activities should be decided in consultation with learners to ensure that they
are based on what is perceived by learners to be important and worthwhile. Selected activities are
then given adequate physical education class time for learners to develop confidence and competence
in some and mastery in a few. The underlying belief is that learners’ in-depth and enjoyable learning
in one activity will encourage them to participate in other similar activities. It is envisaged that a range
of physical activities will be included in order to ensure breadth and balance in the programme and
that the needs and interests of all learners are catered for.

Time allocation
Senior cycle physical education is designed to be taught over the two or three years of senior cycle
education. It is recommended that a double period per week is made available as the minimum
requirement for teaching senior cycle physical education. Where possible, timetable arrangements
should facilitate learning opportunities associated with physical education in practical settings beyond
the school.

16 Physical Education Senior Cycle

Key skills in senior cycle
Figure 4: The five key skills of senior cycle

Information
processing Communications

The
critical learner Being
and Personally
creative driven
thinking

working
with
others

There are five key skills identified as being central to teaching and learning in senior cycle education.
These are information processing, being personally effective, communicating, critical and creative thinking
and working with others. Physical education provides a unique opportunity for learners to develop the
key skills through learning in the psychomotor domain.

Learning outcomes in senior cycle physical education are clear statements of what it is expected that
learners will achieve in terms of knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes. Each of the key
skills is embedded in the learning outcomes in senior cycle physical education. For example, skills
relating to being personally effective, communicating, and working with others are clearly articulated
in the learning outcomes in the Personal and social responsibility curriculum model. Critical and
creative thinking skills are central to learning outcomes that include compositional tasks, for example,
in dance or gymnastics in Sport education, or the design of new games as might be required in the
Teaching games for understanding curricular model.

The use of a range of teaching and learning strategies makes it possible not only to meet the different
learning needs of students but also allows the key skills to be developed. For example:
 Communication skills can be developed by involving learners in group or partner-based problem-
solving tasks.

 Developing and maintaining good relationships is central to the key skill of working with others.
Opportunities to develop this skill arises frequently in physical activity participation and/or competition.

 Being personally effective includes the ability to reflect on one’s own performance in different physical
activities and to plan for improvement. Each of the models provides particular perspectives for learners
about themselves as participants in physical activity.

Physical Education Senior Cycle 17

 The well-planned use of learning outcomes will enable teachers to support the development of the key
skills and to assess learners’ progress in them. As teachers observe learners engaging in the different
learning experiences, they can use these opportunities to provide formative feedback to learners about
their use of key skills.

Teaching and learning in SCPE

The unique contribution of physical education to learning in the psychomotor domain is the central
consideration in planning for teaching and learning. The emphasis is always on learners being
physically active, thereby helping them to develop their psychomotor skills across a variety of physical
activities.

In senior cycle physical education, learners are encouraged to be actively involved in all aspects of
their learning. A wide range of participatory and enquiry-based learning approaches can be used to
achieve this. These include learners undertaking playing and non-playing roles, applying theoretical
knowledge and understanding to practical performance, engaging in class discussions and debates and
reflecting on their own and others’ performances and participation in physical activities. Learning
activities can be selected in consultation with students to ensure that they experience a broad and
balanced programme and that the activities are enjoyable and worthwhile for them. Learners will
collect evidence of their learning in a portfolio throughout senior cycle.

Differentiated learning in physical education

The flexible nature of the framework for senior cycle physical education facilitates learners in
achieving goals that are worthwhile for them. The use of a variety of teaching and learning
approaches ensures that students’ different learning needs can be catered for. Assessment approaches
should, in turn, facilitate learners responding to similar tasks in different ways.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

ICT has a significant contribution to make to learning in physical education. Increasingly there
are affordable, user-friendly and portable digital tools available to support teaching, learning and
assessment in physical education. For example, learners can use apps to goal set, to track their
physical activity levels, to capture their performances and to analyse them. They can use ICT to make
presentations, develop graphics, concept maps and databases about their learning and performance
in physical education. Students can also learn to use ICT in an ethical and responsible manner as an
integral part of their learning in physical education class.

18 Physical Education Senior Cycle

4
Curriculum models
Health-related physical activity
Health-related physical activity (HRPA) aims to develop learners’ understanding of health-related
physical activity. HRPA is a concepts-based model which aims to build on learners’ knowledge, skills
and understanding of this area from junior cycle physical education. Through participation in a range
of physical activities, students learn how to develop their health-related physical fitness and about the
related concepts. HRPA also aims to build an appreciation of the importance of participation in lifelong
physical activity.

The essential elements of Health-related physical activity are as follows:

Study of concepts—students learn about fitness and health and wellness concepts and practices.

Lifetime physical activities—learners participate in lifetime physical activities.

Physical activity and wellness appreciation—learners consider the importance of developing and
maintaining adequate levels of physical activity and good nutritional practices.

Personal activity programme planning—learners develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to
plan and execute personal activity programmes.

The objectives of senior cycle physical education addressed in HRPA are to support learners in
 understanding and committing to physical activity which develops health-related physical fitness

 participating in physical activity both inside and beyond the school

 acting as informed participants in physical activity

 examining the value of physical activity in different contexts.

The following table sets out the content and the learning outcomes for Health-related physical activity.
Learners in consultation with their teachers can select the learning outcomes that they wish to focus
on in this model, with due regard to the resources available in the school.

Physical Education Curriculum models Physical Education Senior Cycle 19

 Health-related physical activity

Students learn about Students should be able to

Health-related and 1. evaluate their own health-related physical fitness

performance-related 2. compare the components of health-related and performance-related
physical fitness physical fitness
3. monitor their participation in activities designed to enhance one
or more health-related fitness components using the FITT formula
(Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type)

Physical activity 4. discuss the benefits of regular physical activity that they have
participation experienced as a result of their participation
5. identify different supports that helped them begin and/or continue
to be physically active
6. create a personal activity profile identifying abilities, attitudes,
motivations and barriers to their own participation following a self-
assessment
7. use a range of strategies to overcome barriers to regular
participation in physical activity
8. 8.identify physical activity opportunities in school and in their
communities

Designing a physical 9. identify reliable resources to support their planning of a health-

activity programme related and/or performance-related physical fitness programme
10. use their personal physical fitness results to plan and implement an
effective, enjoyable and balanced fitness programme which aims to
improve health-related/ performance-related physical fitness
11. plan a physical activity programme designed to enhance health-
related physical fitness for an individual with an activity profile
different to their own
Organising a physical 12. organise a health-related physical activity event
activity event 13. participate in and reflect on the health-related physical activity
event
Evaluation of physical 14. evaluate a local health club/gym or physical activity facility or fitness
activity facilities, services service from a number of perspectives including that of a participant
and products
Safety concerns 15. provide advice about appropriate clothing, hydration, safe practice
pertaining to a variety and suitable equipment for health-related physical activities based
of lifetime and fitness on their experience
activities 16. document the uses and misuse of supplements/drugs in physical
activity and sport
Wellbeing/Wellness 17. include physical activity in their stress management plan
18. practise relaxation techniques
19. evaluate personal diet and nutrition habits
20. commit to a healthy, balanced eating plan which they have designed
to meet the energy and nutritional demands of their physical activity
levels

20 Physical Education Senior Cycle

Sport education
Sport education aims to contribute to the development of learners as competent, literate and
enthusiastic players and participants in a range of physical activities. This is achieved by providing
learners with an authentic experience of sport and organised physical activity where they learn to
perform playing and non-playing roles such as participant/player, referee, coach, choreographer,
and statistician. By focusing teaching and learning on a more complete experience of the activity,
each learner is more likely to develop a broad set of skills and to become familiar with the strategies
necessary to participate in sport and organised physical activity successfully now and in adulthood.

In Sport education, sport is understood as being

…all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim at expressing or
improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in
competition at all levels. (Council of Europe, 2001)

The essential elements of Sport education are as follows:

Seasons
learners experience the activity in a season in which they practise the skills, techniques and/
or compositional elements of the selected activity and participate in formal competition or
performance.

Affiliation
learners are affiliated to teams/troupes/squads/groups working toward a common goal.

Formal competition
each season includes opportunities for participation in formal competition or performance.

Keeping records
learners engage in record-keeping about different aspects of their participation and performance.

Culminating event
at the end of each season, an event is organised to mark the end of the season and recognise
excellence and effort.

Festivity
Sport education aims to include the festivity, colour and excitement associated with the chosen
activity (team colours, chants, flags, costumes and pictures).

Physical Education Curriculum models Physical Education Senior Cycle 21

 The objectives of senior cycle physical education addressed in Sport education are to support learners in
 developing confidence, competence and creativity in a range of physical activities

 undertaking different roles in physical activity

 participating in physical activity both inside and beyond the school

 demonstrating responsible social and personal behaviour in physical activity, including respect for self
and others

 acting as informed participants in physical activity.

The following table sets out the content and the learning outcomes for Sport education. Learners in
consultation with their teachers can select the learning outcomes that they wish to focus on in this
model, with due regard to the resources available in the school.

Sport education

Students learn about Students should be able to

Roles and responsibilities 1. undertake different playing and non-playing roles in the selected
physical activity

Being an effective team 2. participate as an effective member of a team working towards

member a common goal—for example, a culminating event, display, or
performance
3. demonstrate effective leadership in playing and non-playing roles

Effective personal 4. demonstrate the effective use of the skills, techniques and strategies
performance of the activity
5. observe the rituals and conventions of the activity
6. adhere to the safety requirements of the activity
7. develop the fitness requirements for the selected physical activity
8. incorporate a variety of techniques, choreographic principles and
approaches to group work in their dance/gymnastic performance
9. demonstrate an understanding of aesthetic and artistic
considerations in their performance
10. work creatively with props in dance and small and large apparatus
in gymnastics
Culminating physical 11. organise a culminating event for the selected physical activity
activity event 12. reflect on their own experience of organising and participating in a
culminating event from an individual and/or group perspective
Physical activity 13. organise a health-related physical activity event
opportunities beyond the 14. participate in and reflect on the health-related physical activity
physical education class event
Common sport injuries 15. show knowledge and understanding of common injuries in the
and their rehabilitation, chosen activity by including ways in which they can be avoided as
first aid procedures they participate in the activity
including concussion
and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR).

22 Physical Education Senior Cycle

Contemporary issues in physical activity
Contemporary issues in physical activity aims to develop learners as informed and critical participants
in physical activity and sport. Students learn not only to critically reflect on their personal experiences
in physical activity and sport but also on the broader local, national and international influences on
participation and provision. Learners are encouraged to consider physical activity and sport from
personal, social and cultural perspectives.

The essential elements of Contemporary issues in physical activity are as follows:

Practical activity
students learn about and participate in a specific activity, selected by the learners in consultation
with the teacher.

Critical reflection
the selected physical activity provides the lens through which students learn about:

• Social issues—discussion and critique of contemporary issues in sport, health, and physical
activity
• Personal connections to physical activity, school, and society—the role and meaning of sport in
their lives, and in the wider community in which they live.

The objectives of senior cycle physical education addressed in Contemporary issues in physical activity
are to support learners in
• examining the value of physical activity in different contexts
• demonstrating responsible social and personal behaviour in physical activity, including respect for
self and others
• acting as informed participants in physical activity
• developing confidence, competence and creativity in a range of physical activities
• participating in physical activity both inside and beyond the school.

The following table sets out the content and the learning outcomes for Contemporary issues in
physical activity. Learners in consultation with their teachers can select the learning outcomes that
they wish to focus on in this model, with due regard to the resources available in the school. These
learning outcomes are more likely to be achieved when they are specifically applied to the sport or
physical activity in which the learners are engaged during physical education.

Physical Education Curriculum models Physical Education Senior Cycle 23

 Contemporary issues in physical activity

Students learn about Students should be able to

Different experiences of 1. review two or more physical activity biographies of individuals,

physical activity including their own
2. explain the role of family, friends, school and community in
enhancing or inhibiting participation in physical activity

Physical activity 3. critique opportunities for physical activity for students within and
opportunities in and beyond the school
beyond school 4. show evidence of participating in a physical activity other than
physical education class
5. encourage others to participate in a physical activity of their choice
6. highlight physical activity opportunities including mass
participation events in their locality

Barriers and supports 7. evaluate the supports and barriers, both actual and perceived, to
in sport and physical different groups’ participation in physical activity
activity 8. identify occasions and/or practices where sport and physical
activity are used to either support or oppress different groups of
males and females
9. analyse the role of national and local policies in the promotion of
physical activity and health
10. explain the role of the Local Sports Partnership including how it
supports young peoples’ ongoing participation in physical activity
11. develop a resource which highlights the work of a National
Governing Body of Sport and/or other groups whose aim it is to
promote physical activity participation
12. critique facilities for physical activity in and beyond school from
a number of perspectives, including safety, attractiveness, gender,
age, and special needs
13. advocate with the relevant bodies for the improvement of physical
activity facilities/opportunities in their local community
Inclusive physical activity 14. organise a physical activity event in their school/local community
opportunities that is designed to be inclusive
15. design a promotional campaign to highlight opportunities for
inclusive physical activity in their community
The influence of the 16. critically analyse the role of the media in relation to physical activity
media in physical activity participation for both males and females and/or minority groups
and sport
Sport and drug use 17. document the uses and misuse of supplements/drugs in the sport
18. design a charter for safe participation in sporting activities

24 Physical Education Senior Cycle

Adventure education
Adventure education aims to encourage learners to challenge themselves as they learn to co-operate
with others, take appropriate risks, develop trust in themselves and in others, have due regard for
their safety and solve physical activity challenges with others’ help and guidance. Building on learning
about adventure activities in junior cycle physical education, Adventure education includes a wide
range of activities, including co-operative activities, trust activities and problem-solving initiatives. It
also includes activities that occur in the outdoor environment such as hill-walking and orienteering.
Each of the activities is based on one or more of the following concepts: challenge, co-operation, risk,
trust and problem-solving.

Reflection is a central part of each activity, where learners not only reflect on the adventure activity
experience but also consider how they might apply what they have learned in other authentic contexts
in the future. The emphasis is on students learning about themselves and each other whilst engaging
in the adventure activity rather than on the outcome of the activity.

The essential elements of Adventure education are as follows:

Experiential learning
learners participate in the adventure activity, reflect on the experience, generalise their learning and
apply it to new situations.

Shared commitment
briathar is the word used to describe how learners agree to be bound by a set of negotiated rules
designed to encourage respectful and responsible personal and group behaviour.

Challenge with choice

learners choose how they participate in different adventure activities designed to challenge their
physical, mental and emotional comfort levels.

Opportunities to reflect on and process the experience

this is necessary to support learners in making sense of what they have learnt.

Outdoor element
learners experience different adventure activities in the outdoors.

Skill development
learners develop the skills and techniques pertinent to a specific outdoor activity.

Personal challenge
learners view physical and mental challenges as an adventure to be experienced.

Team challenge
group members communicate effectively, cooperate and compromise with each other through trial
and error participation in a graduated series of problem-solving activities.

Element of risk
students learn to trust their physical and emotional safety to others as they attempt activities that
involve some physical or emotional risks.

Physical Education Curriculum models Physical Education Senior Cycle 25

 The objectives of senior cycle physical education addressed in Adventure education are to support
learners in
• demonstrating responsible social and personal behaviour in physical activity, including respect for
self and others
• developing confidence, competence and creativity in a range of physical activities
• undertaking different roles in physical activity
• acting as informed participants in physical activity
• participating in physical activity both inside and beyond the school.
The following table sets out the content and the learning outcomes for Adventure education. Learners
in consultation with their teachers can select the learning outcomes that they wish to focus on in this
model, with due regard to the resources available in the school.

Adventure education

Students learn about Students should be able to

Challenging individual 1. participate in individual and group adventure activities which

and group adventure challenge them physically, mentally and/or emotionally
activities

Setting goals 2. set realistic personal goals for challenges which include
opportunities for co-operation, appropriate risk-taking, building
trust and/or problem-solving

Co-operation in 3. contribute to problem-solving in group adventure activities

adventure tasks 4. demonstrate an ability and willingness to adhere to an agreed
protocol regarding their personal behaviour and their interactions
with other group members
Reflection on learning 5. reflect on the different adventure challenges, including
experiences consideration of how their learning might be applied in future
challenges
Creating adventure 6. develop their own adventure activity task(s) including organising
activity challenges them for another individual or group
Safety in adventure 7. adhere to the necessary safety precautions in adventure activity
activities challenges
8. demonstrate basic emergency first aid for outdoor adventure settings
Environmental features 9. consider different environmental features when participating in
adventure activities including landscape features, tide and weather
variations
Undertaking an 10. undertake a short expedition combining independent planning,
adventure activity navigation and adventure pursuit
expedition
Roles and responsibilities 11. take responsibility for one or more roles in an adventure activity
in Adventure education challenge
12. model the individual and team behaviours which contribute to team
morale and effectiveness when participating in adventure activities
Benefits of adventure 13. 13. discuss the benefits of adventure activities for health and
activity wellbeing

26 Physical Education Senior Cycle

Personal and social responsibility
Personal and social responsibility aims to teach life skills through the medium of physical education.
Developing personal and social responsibility is a central part of the education process and this model
recognises the unique contribution that physical education can make in this area.

In physical education class, young people experience the challenges encountered in victory and defeat,
success and failure, interpersonal conflict and intra-personal challenges. However, learners’ personal
and social development is not necessarily an automatic outcome of these experiences. In Personal and
social responsibility, the specific goals of respect, effort, self-direction, helping others, leadership and
applying learning beyond the physical education class are made explicit. These goals are pursued in
an incremental fashion, starting with respect and effort and they may be the focus of the physical
activity being experienced in physical education.

The essential elements of Personal and social responsibility are as follows:

Inclusion of all learners

learners are engaged at a level appropriate to their interests, skills, and ability.

Listening to learner voice

learners have voices that should be heard leading to a greater sense of ownership of class activities
and interactions.

Letting learners practise making choices

learners are provided with opportunities to make choices.

Allowing for reflection on choices made

learners reflect on the consequence of decisions taken, both positive and negative.

Learner-centred approach
learners feel valued and cared for regardless of the physical activity being taught.

When using this model, the physical education teacher has as their primary focus the gradual
empowerment of learners to take appropriate levels of personal and social responsibility, including
respecting the rights and feelings of others.

The objectives of senior cycle physical education addressed in Personal and social responsibility are to
support learners in
 demonstrating responsible social and personal behaviour in physical activity, and demonstrating
respect for self and others

 developing confidence, competence and creativity in a range of physical activities

 undertaking different roles in physical activity

 acting as informed participants in physical activity.

The following table sets out the content and the learning outcomes for Personal and social
responsibility. Learners in consultation with their teachers can select the learning outcomes that they
wish to focus on in this model, with due regard to the resources available in the school.

Physical Education Curriculum models Physical Education Senior Cycle 27

 Personal and social responsibility

Students learn about Students should be able to

Making and keeping 1. negotiate the goals for physical education class
agreements 2. express their opinions and suggestions clearly and respectfully
3. resolve differences in a peaceful and respectful manner

Effort and 4. progress individual and group goals for effort and participation in the
participation selected physical activities

Self-control 5. demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for their behaviour,

commitment and progress in physical education class
Self-direction 6. set realistic and challenging goals for achievement in physical activity
7. lead different classroom activities such as warm-ups, practices and
small-sided games/performances
8. reflect on their progress, including planning next steps
Respecting the rights 9. participate in physical activity in an inclusive way, being mindful of
and feelings of others the needs and feelings of others
Leadership 10. demonstrate qualities of effective leadership as they undertake
leadership roles in the organisation of, and participation in, physical
activity
11. demonstrate an ability to act responsibly when unsupervised
Applying what has 12. plan to participate in physical activity outside of physical education
been learnt to the class
wider context 13. apply their learning about taking personal and social responsibility
beyond physical education class

28 Physical Education Senior Cycle

Teaching games for understanding
Teaching games for understanding (TGfU) is a problem-based approach to the teaching of games. The
main aim of this curriculum model is to develop learners’ tactical awareness and decision-making skills
in a variety of games.

In TGfU, games are classified into four main categories:

 invasion games, such as gaelic football, soccer and hockey

 net/wall games, such as badminton and squash

 striking/fielding games, such as rounders and cricket

 target games, such as golf and bowling.

In TgfU, students learn that the principles of play involved in a game are directly comparable to other
games within that same category. For example, the general principles of attack and defence appropriate
to gaelic football also apply in soccer and basketball.

The essential elements of Teaching games for understanding are as follows:

Game play
learners participate in a game modified to focus on a particular game problem.

Game appreciation
learners appreciate the game form as shaped by rules, game play modifications, and number of players.

Tactical awareness
learners develop the awareness of tactics needed to solve game problems.

Making appropriate decisions

learners decide what to do, when to do it, why to do it and how to do it.

Skill practice
learners practise to improve on-the-ball skills and off-the-ball movements.

Performance
students learn to perform using tactical awareness and assess their improvement.

Games
making is an important element of teaching and learning in TGfU. Learners have an opportunity
to work with their peers in the design and refinement of a new game based on their knowledge and
understanding of the tactics and principles of play that are effective in the game/games category
being played in class.

Physical Education Curriculum models Physical Education Senior Cycle 29

 The objectives of senior cycle physical education addressed in TGfU are to support learners in
• developing confidence, competence and creativity in a range of physical activities
• participating in physical activity both inside and beyond the school
• undertaking different roles in physical activity.
The following table sets out the content and the learning outcomes for Teaching games for
understanding. Learners in consultation with their teachers can select the learning outcomes that
they wish to focus on in this model, with due regard to the resources available in the school.

Teaching games for understanding

Students learn about Students should be able to

Game appreciation 1. outline the elements that give form to the selected game
including rules, boundaries and scoring
2. critique if and how the rules contribute to making a game
enjoyable and challenging
3. agree the ‘important rules’ that will be observed as they
participate in the selected sport

Tactics and principles of play in 4. set up an appropriate attacking play, either themselves or as a
• striking and fielding games supporting player in different attacking scenarios
• net/wall games 5. defend space on their play area when under attack in a variety
• invasion games of scenarios
(Offensive and defensive play) 6. participate effectively as part of a team, including
communicating effectively

Games-making 7. create a new game with their peers which demonstrates an

understanding of the main tactics and principles of the games
category being studied
8. refine the game through a series of practices
9. teach the new game to their peers, including refining it as
necessary

30 Physical Education Senior Cycle

5
Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning in senior cycle physical education. Ongoing
assessment allows students to make their learning visible so that they can receive formative
feedback about how to improve their participation, performance and learning. Students can receive
feedback as they engage in activities such as performing, competing, organising physical activity
events, preparing presentations, designing advocacy campaigns for physical activity, self- and peer-
assessment, reflection, and undertaking roles other than performer. Constructive feedback can be
given by their peers, their teacher and/or through the use of ICT including apps, during or following
assessment events. By taking greater responsibility for their own learning students can develop the
skills necessary for lifelong, self-directed participation in physical activity. Assessment also provides
teachers and students with information about what students are learning, how they are learning and
how teaching and learning can be planned and improved. Further information and advice on how
ongoing assessment can support students’ learning in physical education can be found in the NCCA
Assessment Toolkit: Focus on Learning.

Using portfolios to support assessment for learning in SCPE

The use of a portfolio provides the flexibility for learners to gather evidence of progression in their
learning and performance in SCPE. As students complete different ongoing assessment activities,
including reflections during and at the end of the different blocks of work, they collect different pieces
of evidence of their learning in a portfolio. It is not envisaged that learners will collect evidence of all
activities completed. Learners are encouraged to use different media, including photographs, video
and/or audio recordings in the compilation of the portfolio. The use of ICT allows learners to work
independently on their portfolios and to develop the kinds of skills that will support them in becoming
self-directed learners. Portfolios can be either paper based or digital depending on the particular
circumstances in the school. Further advice on the management of students’ portfolios is available in
Appendix A. Sample items for inclusion in a portfolio in the different blocks of work are outlined in
Appendix B.

Physical Education Assessment Physical Education Senior Cycle 31

 Assessment Criteria for the showcase portfolio
Achieved with merit
All components of the portfolio are included in a well-organised fashion with a table of contents
included. A variety of media is included. Items clearly represent evidence of learning for a selection
of learning outcomes for this block of work. The learner displays a significant understanding of the
concepts and applications involved. There is substantial evidence of a capacity to reflect on how the
learning is influencing their attitudes, opinions and behaviour. The self-evaluation component is
completed showing clarity of thought and insight.

Achieved
Most components of the portfolio are included. Items represent learning in some of the selected
learning outcomes for this block of work. The student has gained some understanding of the concepts
and attempts to apply them. There is some evidence of a capacity to reflect on how the learning is
influencing their attitudes, opinions and behaviour. The self-evaluation component is completed and
shows evidence of thought and careful consideration.

Incomplete
The portfolio is largely incomplete. There is little or no evidence of important learning. The student
has very limited or no understanding of the concepts. There is little or no evidence of a capacity to
reflect on learning. The self-evaluation component is not completed.

It is important that learners’ participation in senior cycle physical education, including the completion
of the portfolio, should be formally recognised by the school in a manner which is meaningful
to students.

32 Physical Education Senior Cycle

6
Appendix A:
Management of portfolios
The school’s management of SCPE portfolios will be very much context based. A method of
construction—for example, folders, notebooks, hanging files, digital files—should be chosen, and
how and where to store the portfolios should be determined. It is important that the location should
be accessible to students. Learners should be encouraged, in whatever way is feasible, to take
responsibility for the management and safe keeping of their own portfolios. The presentation of the
portfolio will be agreed with the students. For example, students could submit their showcase portfolio
as a display book of plastic ‘poly pockets’ or in digital format.

Physical Education Appendices Physical Education Senior Cycle 33

 Appendix B:
Sample items for inclusion in a portfolio

Model Evidence of learning Reason for inclusion (Related learning outcome/

outcomes)

Health-related Goal-setting template and  Use their personal physical fitness results to
physical activity plan to improve health- plan and implement an effective, enjoyable and
related fitness balanced fitness programme which aims to
improve their health-related physical fitness

Sport education Photographs of  Organise a culminating event for the selected

culminating physical physical activity
activity event including  Reflect on their own experience of organising
a video/audio reflection and participating in a culminating event from an
about the experience individual and/or group perspective

Contemporary Presentation about  Critique opportunities for physical activity for

issues in physical physical activity students within and beyond the school
activity opportunities within  Critique facilities for physical activity in and
and beyond the school beyond the school from a number of perspectives
including a critique of including cost, attractiveness, gender, age and
same special needs

Adventure Photographs/ video of  Develop their own adventure tasks including

education adventure tasks they organising them for an individual or group
designed and a reflection  Participate in individual and group adventure
of their experience of activities which challenge them physically,
doing them mentally and/or emotionally

 Reflect on the different adventure challenges,

including consideration of how their learning
might be applied in future challenges

Personal Evidence and reflection  Plan to participate in physical activity outside of

and social about their physical physical education class
responsibility activity participation  Apply their learning about taking personal and
beyond physical social responsibility beyond physical education
education class class

Teaching Video clips and/or  Create a new game with their peers which
games for photographs of a new demonstrates an understanding of the main
understanding game being taught to tactics and principles of the games category being
class mates: include studied
a video/audio of a  Refine the game through a series of practices
group reflection on the
 Teach the new game to their peers, including
experience
refining it as necessary

34 Physical Education Senior Cycle

Appendix C:
Item selection for showcase portfolio
Items for inclusion in the showcase portfolio will be generated by learners. For each of these items,
learners will include a reflection on why they chose this piece of evidence and how it reflects their
learning. The teacher may identify mandatory pieces for inclusion, particularly those related to the
organisation of the portfolio. These pieces might include:
 a contents page

 item registry, including reasons for the selection of particular pieces of evidence

 records of participation in physical education class

 summary statements of students’ learning in each unit of work; these statements could refer to the
important learning for the student in the block of work, the experiences they enjoyed most and how
they might apply what they had learnt in the future

 reflection on their overall experience of senior cycle physical education.

The showcase portfolio can also be compiled following a conversation between the learner and the
teacher and/or the learner and their peers. Parents can also have a role in the selection of pieces for
inclusion. For example, parents may be asked to select a piece for inclusion that they found particularly
impressive, surprising, reflective of improvement, etc.

Learners might also be assigned a ‘portfolio partner’ who assists them in selecting appropriate pieces of
work following conversation and collaboration. A peer might also provide some reflection on a piece of
work to be included in the portfolio.

References
C3 Collaborating for Health. (2011). The benefits of physical activity for health and well-being: Literature
review. C3 Collaborating for Health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). Youth physical activity guidelines toolkit.
Retrieved May 3 2015 from www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm.

CDC. (2015). How much physcial activity do children need? Retrieved June 1 2016 from
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/.

Council of Europe. (2001): The European sports charter (Revised). Brussels: Council of Europe.

Physical Education Appendices & References Physical Education Senior Cycle 35

Senior Cycle