In common with all other aspects of schooling, physical education contributes to the all round development of individual pupils. Central to the inclusion of physical education in the curriculum for all pupils of statutory age, is the development of their physical abilities and the provision of opportunities to realise the following outcomes……..

1. The stimulation of physical growth, especially in the early years of schooling.
    

2. Improved co-ordination and body management together with aesthetic appreciation of the body in action, achieved through participation in a wide spectrum of physical activities.
    

3. The development of sports skills, knowledge and insights, especially those which have cultural and social significance.
    

4. An increase in the awareness of the health and fitness implications of exercise through participation in vigorous activity and by raising pupils` awareness of the benefits that can be gained from an active lifestyle.
    

5. An awareness of acceptable moral behaviour through decision-making in real situations where the consequences of those decisions may be readily appreciated.
    

6. The desire and the means to pursue opportunities for further participation achieved by connecting them with opportunities for both recreational and competitive involvement.
    

7. Access to career opportunities by equipping pupils with the skills and knowledge needed for competent performance, thus gaining a qualification in physical education.

Physical education has the potential to provide rich opportunities for pupils to make the most of themselves recognising their individual needs and aspirations. This fact has been acknowledged by the inclusion of physical education on the Northern Ireland curriculum as a core subject and by the recommendation that each pupil should receive a minimum of four periods per week in order to fulfil their entitlement to a broad, balanced, progressive and enjoyable education.

In addition to the general aims of the department, we also aim to achieve the following more specific aims…..

1. To encourage communication and co-operation between pupils in the solving of movement problems.
    

2. To help pupils acquire psychomotor and social skills.
    

3. To encourage pupils to be critical and inventive, to think independently and make effective decisions in physical situations, and to encourage attitudes of enthusiasm and exploration.
    

4. To encourage pupils to assume roles of responsibility and leadership.
    

5. To help pupils adopt a more mature and disciplined approach to sporting situations and to be aware of the need for the safe movement of themselves and others.
    

6. To instil confidence in pupils to enable them to compete in physical challenges at a level commensurate with their ability, and to always compete honestly and fairly.
    

7. To encourage pupils to adopt a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise, healthy eating and personal hygiene.
    

8. Where possible, use sporting situations as a mechanism to outline the differing traditions and beliefs that exist in society and encourage attitudes of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect.

Markethill High School caters for pupils in the 11 – 16 age range. Physical Education is compulsory for all pupils with most junior classes receiving two hours a week and seniors one hour. GCSE PE has recently been introduced as a subject option, comprising two and a half hours a week.

Pupils in Key Stage 3 receive a well-balanced programme of activities which aid the achievement of the aforementioned objectives. These activities are designed to enable pupils to progress gradually towards more adult forms of activity and cope with increased physical demands. A key concept associated with improving performance is the need to encourage pupils to review and evaluate the performance of themselves and their peers.