Active Schools – Physical Activity
In our school all our pupils get twice daily playground breaks. It is school policy that on the day’s when children are unable to play outdoors, that every classroom teacher will incorporate an extended classroom-based physical activity break into the day.
All pupils are allowed to run during their outdoor play at break times. Our school yard is zoned so that children can participate in a variety of different activities. In the Junior section they have access to a lowered basketball hoop, hula hoops and soft balls. Our middle classroom has access to a basketball hoop, soccer balls, cones and soft balls. Our senior class enjoys break times on the school pitch. They have two large goals and a variety of balls; footballs, soccer balls, rugby balls and soft balls.
Active School Walkway
Our Active School Walkways is utilised regularly during the school week by all classes. The pupils have been encouraged to do their talking as they’re walking and have enjoyed the changing elements along the route e.g. Riddles etc. Teachers have incorporated lessons linked to the walkway and pupils are encouraged to complete trails for varying subjects.
This we have enjoyed a wealth of activities as part of the active flag (more details and pictures of each individual activity on ‘Active School’ tab of website) and other school initiatives:
- Relays Takeover
- Active Breaks Challenge
- Skip around Europe
- Feel Good Friday (music on yard every Fri for a dance break!)
- Active lines Tuesday (Playground leaders and volunteers lead a stretch or exercise from top of line)
- School tours this year took an active element . The junior room went to Lullymore and enjoyed lots of fun in the indoor play gym, the middle room went to Causey farm and enjoyed lots of outdoor games and activities and the senior room went to Kilruddery where they tested their skills on outdoor obstacles and challenges.
- The children often walk along the canal as part of SESE and walk to our local library and church for learning initiatives and performances.
- We also have a number of seasonal initiatives incorporating movement and exercise – the Santa Dash at Christmas, where the children walk/jog/run laps around the Active walkway , a sponsored walk in May of each year run by the PTA, where the children, their families and teachers and staff walk 5 km around our local wind farm.
