Physical Education

Introduction

This is a full-time one-year postgraduate programme. The programme will prepare successful graduates for a professional teaching qualification in Physical Education. The programme is offered by both the Department of Education and Professional Studies in the College of Education and by the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences in the College of Science.

Objectives

The aims and objectives of this teacher education programme, which culminates in a professional teaching qualification, reflect our commitment to the development of caring, competent, critical and reflective teachers who have the following dispositions, skills, and content knowledge:

• Graduates will have a willingness and capability to monitor their own growth and use that learning to improve the teaching and learning process
• Graduates will be knowledgeable about planning, contemporary curriculum and assessment policy and practice, school contexts, and educational reform in the Irish context.
• Graduates will be knowledgeable about students and theories of learning and child development in support of psychologically and physically safe, and supportive learning environments.
• Graduates will have an understanding of key principles, concepts, and skills of Physical Education and are knowledgeable of contemporary developments in their subject matter.
• Graduates are committed to life long learning, drawing on their practical knowledge and theory to improve teaching and learning for students
• Graduates will be concerned with enhancing pupil learning and their development as persons who support a just and equitable Irish society. They respect pupils as critical inquirers about education, sport, dance, health, fitness and exercise and promote their enthusiasm for health and well-being.
• Graduates will develop care and concern for the personal welfare and development of pupils and the promotion of social justice in society as well as fairness, inclusion, and equity in physical activity environments and school/community settings.
• The graduates have a critical and reconstructive approach to teaching as a profession.

Programme Content

Semester 1

Introduction to the Teaching Profession for Physical Educators
Physical Education Pedagogy and Assessment
Preparation for Teaching Practice 1, Preparation for Teaching Practice 2, Teaching Practice

Semester 2

7 week Teaching Practice, Physical Education Teachers as Life Long Learners, Curriculum Studies, School-based Enquiry (Professional Practice), Public Policy and Social Organisation of Schools in Modern Ireland

Careers

Professional teaching qualification in Physical Education.

Entrance Requirements

Relevant Primary Degree at 2.2 Honours Level or higher, recognised by the Teaching Council for the purposes of teaching P.E. (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) Candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio of evidence of movement achievement.
Successful completion of an interview will be a requirement.