The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD today welcomed the engagement of the GAA with the new Leaving Certificate Physical Education subject.

Today, the GAA announced the launch of a new web-based resource which it developed in association with the Camogie Association and Ladies Football Gaelic Association. The website aims to support teachers and students with teaching and learning in the new Leaving Certificate subject.

Some 64 post-primary schools across the country are participating in a first phase rollout of Leaving Certificate PE. Fifth year students in these schools commenced the subject in September 2018 and they will complete the Leaving Certificate examination in the subject in 2020. From the start of the 2020/21 school year, all schools who wish to offer PE as a Leaving Certificate subject will be able to do so.

The aim of the new subject is to develop a student’s capacity to become an informed, skilled, self-directed and reflective participant in physical education and physical activity in senior cycle and for the rest of their life.

The 64 schools in the first phase of Leaving Cert PE have the Department’s support service, the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) to guide and advise them in introducing the new subject. The PDST has prepared a comprehensive continuous professional development programme for teachers and principals in these schools which commenced earlier this year and will continue over the coming two years.

Speaking at the launch of the GAA support material, Minister McHugh said: “The GAA deserve great credit for showing the initiative here to set up this online resource. The enthusiasm and their engagement with the Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football Associations in order to create this resource is another fine example of the GAA being ahead of the game.

“It’s a big positive when you see an organisation with the reach and influence of the GAA taking the initiative to offer extra resources for teachers and students and provide really valuable back-up to the dedicated supports being provided by the Department of Education and Skills for schools who have begun the Leaving Certificate PE course.

“Sport, exercise and PE is so important for our overall wellbeing, not just our physical health. As well as all of the benefits from fitness, the ability to participate in sports is a fantastic way to build someone’s confidence and teamwork skills.”

Source: Education.ie

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