PE_Guidelines_english0

Section 2 The content of the physical education curriculum
Strand units of the
games curriculum
• Sending, receiving and
travelling
• Creating and playing games
• Understanding and
appreciation of games
Developing an understanding of
games should enable children to
appreciate and enjoy games as
participants and spectators.
Games
The Games strand is concerned with
the development of skills, the creation
and playing of games and the
understanding of games. Traditionally,
there has been an emphasis on ‘playing
the game’ or practising skills in isolation
from the game. This curriculum
endeavours to link the practice of skills
with the playing of a mini- (smallsided)
game. These mini games are
modified to suit the developmental
stages of the children; rules should be
adapted and the size of the playing area
and equipment adjusted to meet their
needs. In addition, emphasis is placed
on skills such as the effective use of
space and decision-making, thus
encouraging the development of a
greater understanding of how games
are played.
The games programme should provide
opportunities for children to develop
skills and understanding through
enjoyable individual, small-group and
team activities. Throughout the games
programme they should be presented
with appropriate tasks for developing
their understanding of games. As they
become more skilful they gain a sense
of achievement and satisfaction.
Opportunities to improve personal
performance and to guide others to
improve should be provided. Developing
an understanding of games should
enable children to appreciate and enjoy
games as participants and spectators.
Children should experience a balance
of skills and games in a number of
categories. Playground games help the
child to move effectively and to interact
with others. They are included in the
strand unit ‘Creating and playing
games’. A selection of invasion games,
net games, striking and fielding games,
target games and shared court games is
also suggested in this strand unit. The
suggested games are included as
exemplars. Invasion games suitable for
modification for children at primary
level include hockey and hurling,
soccer, Gaelic football and rugby,
basketball, netball and Olympic
handball. Net games include tennis,
volleyball and badminton. Striking and
fielding games most suitable for this
age group would be rounders or cricket.
Target games include bowling, and
shared court games include handball.
The class programme should include a
balanced selection from the above
categories.
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