All pupils are provided with 60 minutes timetabled PE every week.
Curriculum Strands
All classes are taught at least 5 different PE strands every year and 4th classes also are taught aquatics.
Gymnastics:
Gymnastics is an exciting and enjoyable part of P.E. in our school. Students learn a range of skills such as balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility through fun activities and challenges. Using mats, benches, and other equipment, they practice rolls, jumps, and simple routines safely and confidently. Everyone is encouraged to try their best and support one another as they improve. Gymnastics helps our students build confidence, body awareness, and a love for movement.
Games:
Games play a big part in life at our school, helping students stay active, healthy, and happy. We enjoy a variety of games, from traditional playground favourites to team sports and skill-based activities. Everyone is encouraged to take part, learn teamwork, and have fun while building confidence and fitness. Our teachers and coaches make sure games are fair, inclusive, and enjoyable for all. Through games, we learn the importance of cooperation, respect, and always doing our best.
This year we are working really hard on our GAA skills. We are really enjoying our camogie and gaelic blitzes in the local park ‘The Bogies’. Our coach Thomas, from our local GAA club, comes to our school every Thursday to help us develop our skills.
Athletics:
Fifth and sixth class pupils also take part in the ‘Marathonkids’ initiative run by Dublin City Council.
Last year we travelled to the Morton Stadium in Santry to participate in the final mile event with lots of other schools.
Each year pupils participate in the local ‘Schools Cross Country Running Competition’ held in the local park ‘The Bogies’. Well done to everyone who participated and congratulations to our medal winners!
The “daily mile” run is also part of daily school life for the classes in St. Catherine’s.
Outdoor and Adventure Activities:
Pupils enjoy completing outdoor curricular tasks on our Active WALKWAY. This involves them following clues based on a variety of different curricular area. Find out more information here: https://activeschoolflag.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Slide-1-Active-School-Walkway-Ideas-Booklet.pdf
Aquatics:
Pupils from Fourth Class take part in a ten week programme of swimming lessons in the final term. They are taught by Swim Ireland qualified instructors. They are broken into groups according to their level of previous experience and taught skills relative to this. Basic water confidence, balance, flotation, breathing, stroke development and diving are taught.
PAWS Water Safety Programme
Our school teaches the Land PAWS water safety programme every year.
All classes are encouraged to learn about safety in and around water and swimming pools. They are taught about respect for water and its dangers.
PE Equipment
Our school is well-equipped to keep everyone active and having fun.
We have a wide range of P.E. equipment — from balls, hoops, and cones to skipping ropes and tennis rackets.
Students enjoy games, team sports, and fitness activities that build skills and confidence.
Our equipment supports lessons both indoors and outdoors, in all kinds of weather.
We love staying active, healthy, and energetic through every P.E. session!
