Physical Activity
This is where our school shines! Due to the needs of our students, most of whom have sensory and OT needs and/or programmes, teachers and staff positively encourage as much activity breaks and actions by students whenever possible.
During the school day every class gets regular movement breaks or sensory breaks. Some classes do 10 at 10, while others do the Daily KM around the school and others have themes for each day of the week such as Walks on Wednesdays, Twists on Thursdays.
All students have 2 outdoor breaks every day: from 11.10-11.20 and after their dinner from 1.00 – 1.15. All children get plenty of time to eat their small snack and their dinner in plenty of time to still allow that very important outdoor break time. The school has two play areas specifically for different age groups thereby allowing more boisterous physical activities to take place safely for older students. Each yard has marked areas or “zones” for activities. The school has equipment to encourage students to move as often as possible e.g. swings, slides, climbing frames, hoops, balance, spinners as well as marked areas such as the Activity Trail and playground games areas. Staff and the students who are on the ASF committee are responsible for bringing equipment in and out of the yard areas for use by students.
This is where our school shines! Due to the needs of our students, most of whom have sensory and OT needs and/or programmes, teachers and staff positively encourage as much activity breaks and actions by students whenever possible.
During the school day every class gets regular movement breaks or sensory breaks. Some classes do 10 at 10, while others do the Daily KM around the school and others have themes for each day of the week such as Walks on Wednesdays, Twists on Thursdays.
Move on Monday
Twist and Turn Tuesday
Walk on Wednesday
Throw it Thursday
All students have 2 outdoor breaks every day: from 11.10-11.20 and after their dinner from 1.00 – 1.15. All children get plenty of time to eat their small snack and their dinner in plenty of time to still allow that very important outdoor break time. The school has two play areas specifically for different age groups thereby allowing more boisterous physical activities to take place safely for older students. Each yard has marked areas or “zones” for activities. The school has equipment to encourage students to move as often as possible e.g. swings, slides, climbing frames, hoops, balance, spinners as well as marked areas such as the Activity Trail and playground games areas. Staff and the students who are on the ASF committee are responsible for bringing equipment in and out of the yard areas for use by students.
Even if it is raining students are given indoor physical activities to do such as using the Treadmill or Exercise Bicycle, doing the indoor “Walk a KM” around the inner route marked out on the corridors, playing in the ball pond or using peanut balls to develop core strength or just playing games such as air table hockey, pool or snooker. Teachers will also always give students a break outside if weather clears to allow it.
During breaktimes staff encourage students, particularly the post primary students, to “Do your talking while you’re walking” so that they can catch up on the necessary teenage news while still getting activity in.
During the school year the students also have themed activity events. This year all students participated in our Halloween Spooky Walk around the local area. They also had games and activities to celebrate Halloween.
Secondary 6 Doolough Famine Walk
Running Initiative - Secondary 5 at the GMIT Track
