PE_Guidelines_english0

The content of the physical
education curriculum
Section 2 The content of the physical education curriculum
Strands of the physical
education curriculum
• Athletics
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Games
• Outdoor and adventure
activities
• Aquatics
Strand units of the
athletics curriculum
• Running
–walking, jogging or
running over distance
–sprinting
–relays
–hurdling
• Jumping
• Throwing
• Understanding and
appreciation of athletics
As the athletics programme
embraces activities related to
the diverse skills of running,
jumping and throwing, it is
easily adaptable to suit
different abilities.
Basic structure and
terminology
The physical education curriculum
offers the teacher a structured,
balanced programme of work. The
content has been delineated at four
levels: infant classes, first and second
classes, third and fourth classes, and
fifth and sixth classes, and divided into
six strands: Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics,
Games, Outdoor and adventure activities
and Aquatics. Five of the strands are
outlined for implementation at each
level; the aquatics strand is outlined for
implementation at any of the levels or
over a number of levels, depending on
the availability of a facility for aquatics
and the stage at which the child begins
the programme. Each strand is subdivided
into strand units, a number of
which will form the basic sections of
the content covered.
Athletics
The Athletics strand contains a broad
range of running, jumping and
throwing activities. Emphasis in the
athletics programme should be on
providing opportunities for the child to
challenge him/herself to run faster or
for a longer period, to throw an
implement further and to jump further
or higher. These natural movement
activities should be developed into
simple athletic activities and events.
Early activities focus on individual
challenges and competition with the
emphasis on personal improvement
related to appropriate targets. As
children gain satisfaction from these
experiences they are motivated to
engage in the more formal running,
jumping and throwing practices.
Traditionally, athletics has been taught
as a summer term activity, but aspects
of the strand can be taught throughout
the year. For instance, some hurdling
and long jump practice can be
undertaken indoors, and most running
activities can be undertaken outdoors
throughout much of the school year.
Indeed, if the indoor area is large
enough, some throwing activities may
also be possible.
As the athletics programme embraces
activities related to running, jumping
and throwing, it is particularly suitable
for children of different abilities.
Progress can be measured individually,
and for children of limited ability this is
particularly satisfying because they can
see their improvement. The athletically
able child has unlimited targets and is
not restricted by any lack of ability on
the part of other children in the class.
In addition, the rules are simple and
easy to understand, and this makes it
easier for the child to act as a judge.
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