Aims and Overview of the Physical Education Department

The Physical Education (PE) Department aims to deliver a fun and enjoyable, broad, and balanced programmes of study with the objective to improve physical literacy, provide children and young people with learning experiences that enables them to develop the knowledge, motivation and ability to lead a physically active life.

We believe all pupils should experience a sense of fun, enjoyment and achievement through a range of differentiated, progressively challenging and innovative activities. Our aim is that our programmes of study will enable our pupils to participate and perform competently in a range of physical activities; and all pupils will understand and appreciate the benefits of physical activity and the relationship between physical activity and good health.

The PE Department aims to inspire young people to participate and enjoy physical activity, whilst acquiring and developing skills and basic levels of fitness.  We aim to ensure that everyone can achieve their potential and develop a positive attitude towards lifelong participation.  

Our aim is to complement our programmes of study with an extensive extra-curricular programme which links to our community and competitive sporting fixtures, in inter-school competitions, to inspire pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities.

Within our Key Stage 3 programmes of study, we deliver a wealth of activities including football, cross country, rugby, health related fitness, hockey, netball, gymnastics, dance, swimming, basketball, athletics, tennis and summer games.

In addition, and in accordance with the NI Curriculum, the Physical Education department aims to ensure that each pupil will:

• realise their full potential in PE
• increase their knowledge and understanding of physical activity and learn to prioritise health and fitness for current and future lifestyles
• to develop an increasing awareness of the understanding of their bodies and the ways in which they may keep healthy
• to promote in a pupil a love of, interest in and knowledge of Physical Education and its contribution to the maintenance of life-long personal health and fitness
• to acquire knowledge and understanding of safety factors in Physical Education, and also the rules in a particular activity and the need for them
• to gain an aesthetic appreciation of movement
• develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as self-esteem, self-confidence, discipline and perseverance
• interact and co-operate with others, working towards common goals, and developing a sense of fair play, tolerance, and empathy for others
• develop a community conscience and contribute to whole school life through participating in the extra-curricular sports programme
• where appropriate, achieve in public examinations and gain access to higher education
• become aware of career opportunities through PE

Staffing

• Mr A Cowden (Subject Coordinator)
• Mr S Crothers
• Mr M Ferguson
• Ms G Hall
• Mr I Latham
• Miss J Oliver
• Miss D Paisley

Facilities

Facilities On-Site

• two multi-sport gymnasiums
• one small multi-purpose hall
• one fitness suite
• two gravel hockey pitches
• one grass rugby pitch
• grass training areas for rugby and football
• one 400m grass running track
• two 100m gravel running tracks
• two long jump pits
• multiple athletics throwing circles

Facilities used off-site

• one AstroTurf hockey pitch
• Dixon Park, Home of Ballyclare Comrades FC
• Foundary Lane and Sixmile Leisure Centre football pitches
• Ballyclare RFC
• Sixmile Leisure Centre swimming pool
• Sixmile Leisure Centre sports hall
• Sixmile Leisure Centre Fitness Suite
• Antrim Forum Athletics Stadium
• Flight Gymnastics, Mallusk