It may have been leaked unofficially, but the Department of Education and Science has confirmed it's true: the Minister, Micheal Martin, and his colleague, Dr Jim McDaid, are indeed discussing the possibility of introducing physical education as a certificate examination subject at some time in the future.
For too many years PE has been given little space in the timetables of quite a large number of schools; indeed, only 60 per cent of sixth-years do PE, according to a recent ASTI survey. It is estimated that, on average, students in other EU states do some two hours of PE each week, whereas here the pupils who do PE do two sessions - 80 minutes - at the most. It is only in recent years, with the international success of so many of our young sports people, that proper discussion has even taken place on the importance of a subject so essential to the physical and mental development of youngsters. A healthy mind in a healthy body has ever been regarded as an ideal, but in many schools only lip-service was paid to it. Sure, there were good excuses - lack of money being one of the most notable - but lack of will has been a contributory factor also.
Reports at the weekend suggested that PE could be an examination subject by the year 1999-2000. Hardly likely. To begin with, the joint initiative between the departments of Education and of Tourism, Sports and Recreation, has yet to be announced. (It is expected within weeks, however.) That initiative will feature, among other things, the setting-up of a working committee or group and a pilot project on PE in the junior cycle at second level.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is already involved in drawing up a draft syllabus for this pilot and will look at the implications of bringing in a formal evaluation system. A tricky one, that: how much weight should be given to the practical side of the subject and how much to the written is a problem. Many professionals suggest including a good element of theoretical sports, dietary information and healthcare as examination elements; but what about the pupil who is gifted athletically, but will never make it in the written exam. Should there be a special provision for him (or her), an opportunity for something other than waiting for an English football scout come and look him over? Why not discriminate in favour of such a pupil? (The NCCA has, for some time, been looking at a syllabus for both Junior and Leaving Certs.)
However soon the pilot project is introduced, the general introduction of PE as an exam subject is going to take a long time. For a start, there are not enough PE teachers employed in the State; many teachers with little training have done their best over the years to provide a PE facility in their own schools. Not every school has even the most basic facilities for holding PE classes - indeed, some schools, often with hundreds of pupils, have no suitable facilities at all. There are several examples of schools built several years ago, with up to 800 or 900 pupils, which are only now getting their sports halls - and even at that, the specifications don't allow for the playing in them of indoor games, let alone the equipment for serious PE.
Employing more teachers and providing facilities will cost money and will take time. Then there's the small matter of scheduling. While the official position is that there is a recommended time allocation for PE each week, many schools are unable to provide it.
It is understood that Jim McDaid intends to go further in the future in the area of sports provision in schools, including special coaching. Admirable. But first, ministers - and excuse the awful pun - you have got to provide a level playing field for all.
Education & Living
Editor: Ella Shanahan
Production: Hugh Lambert and Harry Browne
Cover photograph: Pat Langan
Small cover illustrations: Cathy Dineen
Email: education@irish-times.ie
