Physical Education (PE) is a vital part of the Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum, promoting physical development, health, and wellbeing. At St. Bernard's, we provide a broad and balanced PE programme that develops physical literacy, confidence, and a lifelong love of physical activity.
Key Areas of Learning
Athletics
- Running, jumping, and throwing skills
- Speed and endurance development
- Personal target setting
- Competition skills
- Athletic techniques
Games
- Ball skills and coordination
- Team sports and games
- Invasion games
- Net games
- Striking and fielding
- Strategic thinking
Dance
- Movement and rhythm
- Creative expression
- Cultural dances
- Choreography skills
- Performance techniques
- Musical interpretation
Gymnastics
- Balance and coordination
- Body control and awareness
- Floor work and sequences
- Movement patterns
- Flexibility development
- Safe use of apparatus
Swimming (KS2)
- Basic swimming
- Personal survival skills
- Different strokes
Fundamental Movement Skills
We focus on developing:
- Locomotor skills (running, hopping, skipping)
- Stability skills (balancing, turning, landing)
- Manipulative skills (throwing, catching, kicking)
- Spatial awareness
- Body control
- Movement confidence
Health and Fitness
Our programme promotes:
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Understanding of healthy lifestyles
- Mental wellbeing through exercise
- Team building and cooperation
- Personal health awareness
- Active play and recreation
Competition and Participation
We offer:
- External/Internal school competitions
- Sports days
- Friendly matches
- Team events
Extra-Curricular Activities
Our programme includes:
- After-school sports clubs
- Recreational activities
- Sports teams
- Special sporting events
Assessment and Development
We monitor progress through:
- Performance observation
- Self and peer assessment
- Achievement recognition
- Personal goal setting
Cross-Curricular Links
PE connects with:
- Science (human body, health)
- Mathematics (scoring, timing, measuring)
- Geography (orientation, movement)
- Music (dance, rhythm)
- PDMU (teamwork, fair play)
Facilities and Resources
Our school provides:
- Well-equipped sports hall
- Playground areas
- Sports equipment
- Swimming lessons for Key Stage 2 Pupils (Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre)
At St. Bernard's, we believe that Physical Education is essential for developing healthy, confident, and physically capable young people. Our programme ensures every child can participate, progress, and enjoy being physically active. We seek to nurture healthy habits for life.
