Munster GAA Teachers Summer courses in Mary Immaculate College

1. Gaelic games in the primary school: advanced course

Presenter: Joe Redington, Richard Bowles and guest tutors

Venue: MIC

Date: 1 – 5 July 2019

Fee: €25

This is an advanced course in the teaching of Gaelic games as part of the Physical Education curriculum in primary schools. On successful completion of this course, participants will be certified at Award 1 Child Coach Level in hurling and Gaelic football as approved by Coaching Ireland. To enroll on the course, participants should have already completed a Foundation Award coaching course. The aims of the course are:

To promote the physical, social, emotional development of the child
To develop teacher competencies in inclusion, management of external personnel, and general planning
To examine opportunities for linkage within PE and integration with other subject areas
To foster positive attitudes towards PE and school sport
To develop strategies to ensure that school sport policy is in line with the aims of the PE curriculum
To assist teachers in implementing a programme that is developmentally appropriate for individual children
To examine the role of Gaelic games within the PE curriculum

Participants will take part in a series of master workshops where they will develop their own coaching skills through peer-teaching scenarios. A range of teaching methodologies will be explored: direct teaching / guided discovery etc. Internationally recognized concepts like Games Sense, Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) and Sport Education will also be addressed. The Fee and accommodation are funded by Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Comhairle na Mumhan.

For more information on Summer CPD courses, contact: Hellen.Gallagher@mic.ul.ie.

2. Gaelic games in the primary school: a cross-curricular approach (blended)

Presenter: Richard Bowles, Joe Redington and guest tutors

Venue: MIC and Online

Date: 1 -3 July onsite with two online units

Maximum number: 25

Fee: €25

Curaclam na Bunscoile specifies that, ‘Gaelic games should be given particular consideration as part of the games programme.’ This course will develop teachers’ basic skills through activities, enabling teachers to apply same in primary school situation. All age groups will be included. There will be a focus on pedagogical issues relating to the games strand and on developing teachers’ understanding and appreciation of games and PE in general. Linkage with other areas of the curriculum will be explored, as will possibilities for integration with other curricular areas.

This course will enable teachers to:

adopt a sequential approach to skill development in Gaelic Games
promote an awareness of the importance of fundamental movement skills in all physical activity
develop their skills in adapting games to ensure the appropriate participation of all children through the use of modified games.
contribute to the inclusion of all children in PE activities (with regard to ability, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
take account of difference within classes and developing progressive programmes throughout the school

The course will pay address particular issues such as gender equity, curriculum integration and linkage within PE, and the role of Gaelic games within a healthy school environment. The course also addresses the needs of schools where coaches who are not primary teachers are employed during the school day to provide specific training in skill development. The course is funded by Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Coiste Luimní. When allocating places, preference will be given to teachers who have not completed the course in previous years.

For more information on Summer CPD courses, contact: Hellen.Gallagher@mic.ul.ie.