Aims

The aims of physical education are:

To promote the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the child
To develop positive personal qualities
To help in the acquisition of an appropriate range of movement skills in a variety of contexts
To promote understanding and knowledge of the various aspects of movement
To develop an appreciation of movement and the use of the body as an instrument of expression and creativity
To promote enjoyment of and positive attitudes towards physical activity and its contribution to lifelong health-related fitness, thus preparing the child for the active and purposeful use of leisure time

The physical education curriculum should enable the child to:

Experience enjoyment and achievement through movement
Interact and co-operate sensitively with others
Develop qualities of self-esteem, self-awareness, confidence, initiative and leadership through movement
Develop an understanding of fair play and team spirit through participation and competition
Develop positive attitudes towards participation in movement activities

Develop strength, speed, endurance and flexibility through engaging in a variety of activities
Develop agility, alertness, control, balance and co-ordination through movement
Develop personal competence in the athletic skills of running, jumping and throwing
Develop personal competence in a range of gymnastic movements
Develop personal competence in the games skills of sending, receiving and travelling using a variety of equipment, and to apply these skills in games situations
Apply the skills needed to live and move with confidence in the environment

Develop an understanding and general knowledge of movement activities and derive benefit as a participant and spectator
Develop an understanding of travel and weight-bearing as the basis of efficient body management and control, both on the floor and using apparatus
Experience and develop an understanding of the use of space, speed, effort, direction and level in the performance of actions
Develop an understanding of the appropriate basic rules, tactics and strategies of movement activities
Observe, discuss, analyse, interpret and enjoy the performance of movement
Gather, record and interpret information on achievement in movement activities
Make decisions, solve problems and develop autonomy through movement activities
Participate in and develop a knowledge, understanding and appreciation of cultural activities through movement
Develop an appreciation of and respect for the environment through participation in activities outdoors

Maintain and enhance health-related fitness through vigorous physical activity that helps to promote a healthy life-style
Understand and practise good hygiene and posture
Appreciate the benefits of relaxation

Athletics	Running Jumping Throwing Understanding and appreciation of athletics
Gymnastics	Movement Understanding and appreciation of gymnastics
Games	Sending, receiving and travelling Creating and playing games Understanding and appreciation of games

Activities	Walking Orienteering Outdoor challenges Understanding and appreciation of outdoor and adventure activities
Dance	Exploration and performance of dance Understanding and appreciation of dance