Three Donegal ETB schools, the Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town, Deele College, Raphoe and Moville Community College, are set to introduce Physical Education (P.E.) as a new examination subject at Leaving Certificate level from September 2018.
The three schools were notified this week by the Department of Education and Skills that they have been successful in their applications to the Department to be included in the first phase of schools to offer Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE) as an optional subject for examination.
Two of the schools, Abbey VS and Moville CC have also been approved to provide the non-examinable Senior Cycle Physical Education Framework (SCPE). Both of these will be introduced from September 2018.
The SCPE Framework provides a planning tool for physical education for all students in senior cycle and will not be assessed as part of the Leaving Certificate examination. LCPE is an optional subject that learners study and are examined in, as part of the Leaving Certificate, with CAO points allocated accordingly.
The new Leaving Certificate Physical Education examinable subject will have three assessment components. Students will be required to complete a physical activity project, a performance assessment and a written examination. Sports psychology and skill techniques will be among the areas studied. The subject will be available at both higher and ordinary level.
The new Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) Framework will provide a new modern curriculum for teachers to teach P.E. to all students at senior cycle. Adventure Education and personal and social responsibility are among the areas covered by the new Framework.
Donegal ETB’s Director of Schools Dr Martin Gormley expressed his delight with the news, saying: “Congratulations to the management and staff of our three schools in being successful in the application process.
“There was a very strong interest in schools in teaching the subject. The selection of three Donegal ETB schools is a testament to the high standards of teaching and learning taking place in its schools across the county.
“The benefits for the students as they continue their learning journey at Senior Cycle will be far-reaching: including improved health and fitness among young people; raising awareness of physical health; and increasing the range of subjects on offer.
“The introduction of the new Senior Cycle Framework for physical education is another really positive development for our students.”
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