AQW 18036/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 12/11/2024
Answered On Date: 14/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the actions taken in response to thematic review of physical education in primary schools, published in October 2022.

Answer:

My Department established a Task and Finish group to address the recommendations from the Education and Training Inspectorate's (ETI) review of physical education (PE) in primary schools. The group is made up of representatives from the Department, the Education and Training Inspectorate, The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment and the Education Authority (EA).

Work streams have been established, looking at Initial Teacher Education and professional development opportunities, the school estate, resources, and providing support to schools to help them plan and deliver the recommended two hours of curricular PE per week. A circular is being drafted currently which will provide practical guidance to schools on how to address the recommendations of the report.

Additionally, my Department is also working with the EA and teaching practitioners to create exemplars of good practice for schools and teachers seeking to enhance their curricular PE provision.