13 schools top the class in physical education

THE importance of physical activity and sport as part of education was highlighted yesterday when 13 schools from around the country were presented with awards.

Now in its fourth year, the Active School Awards scheme is funded by the Department of Education and Science and designed to recognise the schools who best integrate physical activity into the school day.

Yesterday’s ceremony involved over 300 pupils, teachers and parents at The Helix in Dublin City University. The winning schools were presented with their awards by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe and, according to organisers, the number of entries this year was up 50% on 2007.

National co-ordinator Michael Quealy said that an active school life was a strong foundation for a healthy and active adult life.

“The children learn many valuable skills through participating in a broad and balanced PE curriculum,” he said.

“These skills enable the children to participate in a broad spectrum of physical activities and give them the confidence to become involved in sport. This is more important than ever as we move towards a knowledge economy where much of the working day is spent sitting or engaging in little or no physical activity.”

Schools engaged in a variety of initiatives including busy breaks that keep the circulation going, lunchtime leagues, and mini- Olympic games.

Each school picked up a cheque for €4,000 as a result of their efforts in demonstrating how academics and physical education can complement each other.

Active schools award recipients

Active Schools 2008:

* St Patrick’s BNS from Mallow (Co Cork);

* Glanmire Community College (Cork);

* Coláiste An Phiarsaigh, Glanmire (Cork);

* St John’s, Dungarvan (Co Waterford);

* Coláiste Chathail Naofa, Dungarvan (Co Waterford);

* Catherine McAuley School (Limerick);

* Our Lady’s Abbey NS, Adare (Co Limerick);

* St Joseph’s NS, Ballinrobe (Co Mayo);

* St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina (Co Mayo);

* Moneystown NS, Bray (Co Wicklow);

* St Edward’s NS, Ballytivnan (Co Sligo);

* Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Bettystown (Co Meath);

* CBS Secondary School, New Ross (Co Wexford).