Intercultural Education in the Post-Primary School - National Council ...

INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION ACROSS THE CURRICULUM 5with others in that participation’. This andmany of the other aims of the physicaleducation programme are compatible withand supportive of intercultural educatione.g. ‘develop in students an ability to makeinformed judgements…’; ‘to enablestudents to take responsibility for theorganisation and development of theirlearning…’. The P.E. curriculum embodiesmany values and skills central tointercultural education, e.g. awareness ofthe impact of many cultures on sport/danceand the similarities and diversity whichexists; the importance of fair play; theability to communicate and work in groups(co-operating, resolving disagreementpeacefully and demonstrating respect forthe opinions of others, etc). The underlyingprinciples and approaches to physicaleducation foster an acceptance of successand failure and provide challenges andachievement for all students throughpersonal goal setting, co-operative gamesand group work.Within an inclusive Physical Educationprogramme:• Students receive many opportunities todevelop self-esteem and confidence, as aresult of their experience within a broadwell-balanced programme, which catersfor the needs of all students.• Students develop the ability to identifyand challenge unfairness within physicalactivities and learn to respect theplayers, officials and rules associatedwith each activity.• Students should experience a balance ofcompetitive and non-competitiveactivities thus fostering a lifelong interestin sports/leisure.• Students develop an awareness of theorigins and history of many games andthe modification of games over theyears. Students may also be exposed to arange of different dance formsrepresenting and celebrating a diversityof cultures/traditions (folk dance, linedance, salsa dance etc.).Intercultural Education in the Post-Primary School 73