Fundamental Skills

The DENI Primary Schools Curriculum Sports’ Programme was first introduced in St John's Primary School, Kingsisland in the 2007/2008 school year. 

The pilot project which was planned for one year was so successful that we have asked for it to be continued. 

Each week the P1 to P4 pupils receive coaching in Fundamental Skills Movement in Derrytresk Community Centre.

The Main programme objectives are to:

   - Develop the generic physical literacy skills of our youngest pupils through participation in enjoyable fun activities

   - Help raise pupils’ confidence & self-esteem, their motivation to learn and their achievements in other curricular areas, particularly literacy and numeracy.

    - Raise the confidence of, and provide support to, primary teachers in delivering P.E.

The main focus is on Foundation Stage (P.1 & 2) and Key Stage 1(P.3 & 4), as these are the vital years for learning the basic fundamental movement skills of agility, balance, coordination, speed, running, jumping, handling, kicking and striking

The lessons take place during curriculum time in support of the PE curriculum. Sample lessons in handling, kicking and striking have been specially written for all classes in these age groups

The benefits of physical literacy acan be clearly seen when carried over into the class room.

Many more teachers are now able to take their P.E. lessons, which was not the case before the programme started. The coaches have noticed a marked increase in children’s skills and behaviour and this can only benefit our children, community, clubs and their sporting lives in future years.