Members of the Department
Ms I McAteer (HOD)
Mrs C Mulholland-Shields

Miss C Murtagh

Extra-Curricular staff:
Mr A Clements, Mr D Kirk, Mrs R Smyth, Mr T Hackett, Miss N Murray(Bus St), Miss N Murray(HE), Mr S Westcott, Mr L Murphy, Miss Jennifer Sherry, Miss Aisling Cooper, Mr P Breen, Mr D Morgan.

Aims
OLS Physical Education Department is a busy and energetic department. With GCSE, GCE and Curriculum PE throughout the school, its aims are to:

• Provide a safe and effective health related physical activity programme for all our students in a fun and enjoyable manner;
• Nurture ability and self-confidence as well as developing fundamental movement skills through a range of practical work;
• Enhancing quality teaching and learning in a respectful and positive learning environment by creating good teacher-pupil relationships;
• Encourage students to learn through a variety of activities such as athletics, dance, games and gymnastics encompassing individual, pair and team work.
• Enable students to take more responsibility for their own daily activity levels emphasising the importance of regular exercise for good health and wellbeing;
• Enrich learning through digital technology and links with other subjects to create connected learning.
• Encourage participation in a variety of extra-curricular activities primarily to develop the talents of those who wish to take their sport further and promote the school.

Key Stage 3
J1 students learn key words within the four areas covered; athletics, dance, games, gymnastics and swimming. They are able to rehearse basic fundamental movements required within each key area. This creates a sound knowledge and understanding of the requirements within each skill. Appropriate warms ups for each activity are taught and pupils are expected to be able to take the lead when repeating these skills and drills.

J2 students build upon their skills learned in year 8 and further develop their knowledge and understanding of the sports while achieving greater awareness and confidence through movement. We expand on the movement learnt and bring in a slightly more competitive approach to the sports. Students are also taught the rules and regulations and how to officiate within the sports learned. An element of sportsmanship and fair play is fostered.

J3 students at this stage have established their major strengths and the components of fitness which might require improvement. We aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and try to set the girls up set for good habits in KS 4. We identify a more serious approach to the various sports studied and guide students towards suitability at GCSE.

Key Stage 4 (Non- exam and GCSE)
Year 11 pupils have the opportunity to study PE at GCSE level, carrying out an assessment within 3 sports while studying for 2 written papers. While the main focus at this level is on getting their sport up to a proficient level they also act as role models for the curriculum PE students.

We also aim to identify minority sports within class and showcase these through pupil led sessions throughout the year. Pupils should be able to lead, through groupwork a safe and effective lesson under teacher supervision.

Year 12 curriculum PE focuses on fun as students only have access to this class once a fortnight. We take into consideration the students interests whilst steering them towards a healthier lifestyle. This can act as a catharsis from school work and a great relief from study at times. Weather permitting students are able to participate in a walking programme using the resources from the local area (Toe path).

Key Stage 5 (GCE)
GCE Sports Science is a collaboration subject with St Colman's College and Our Lady s. There is a large component of coursework involved at both AS and A2 Level. Students follow the CCEA AS & A2 Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry course. There is a strong emphasis on independent study and the practical element involves acting as a personal trainer at AS and the co-ordination and leading of an Event in A2.

Within class the student will learn about the components of fitness and what methods could be employed to develop these. The physical and psychological requirements for an active healthy lifestyle are investigated. Government initiatives and preventative measures for hypokinetic diseases are studied in depth. Within A2 students learn about the systems of the body both short and long term responses to exercise alongside ethical and psychological aspects of health.

Many of our students continue to study at third level education and pursue careers both in the Sports sector and wider afield.

Extra-curricular
We have a rich programme of extra-curricular activities on offer in the Physical Education Department. Athletics, Camogie, Equestrianism, Gaelic football, Golf, Gymnastics, Netball and Soccer.

Career Opportunities
Teacher, personal trainer, management, sports coach, sports editor, physiotherapist, sports psychologist, nutritionist, chiropractor, sports commentator, fitness instructor, life coach, GP referral coach, occupational therapist, sports medicine.