be the first topic covered. I feel that team-building games give the students the opportunity to get to know each other by working cooperatively each week. This minor games scheme of work also gives the students the chance to practice skills from various sports 

and activities. Hopefully this can allow the 2nd years to get an indication of other extra-curricular activities that they may like to try out. 

Again, as this is the first scheme for this second year group, Minor Games are very useful from the teachers’ point of view. Minor 

games allow the teacher to observe the students’ involvement in different tasks and they can form a picture of the students’ 

strengths and weaknesses. The Co-operative learning teaching methodology is best suited to Minor Games, students must engage in the five main elements necessary as described by Johnson, Johnson and Johnson-Holubec (1988), also known as PIGS Face.
In 2007, Coulter & Woods outlined that games were the most frequently taught strand in the primary school curriculum.

There are 7 strands of the Junior Cycle Physical Education Programme, and it is important that all areas of the programme are 

covered throughout the three years. This scheme falls under the strand of games. 

 

“Through participation in a variety of games in a safe and enjoyable environment, students will be presented with the opportunity to 

develop personally, socially, and physically. Skill acquisition is seen in the context of the student’s involvement in the game 

situation and of enabling her/him to make appropriate decisions based on their evolving level of tactical awareness.” 

(JCPE Syllabus, p29). 

http://www.jcpe.ie/resources/JCPE_Syllabus.pdf 

 

• Demonstrate confidence and co-operation in the application of a range of FMS skills and principles that contribute to a co-operative team

• Participate in activities that promote inclusion and enjoyment  

• Make informed tactical decisions in response to a number of game scenarios and reflect on same. 

Staying well - Learners will be challenged to be physically active and to develop confidence in their skills and game play. Learners will be encouraged to abide by rules of safety and consideration of others in all activities.  

Communicating - Learners will be given opportunity to discuss and debate responses to tasks set in the learning of new skills, and they will develop skills of communicating as a team in modified games.  

Working with others - Learners will be encouraged to cooperate with others in all tasks set, to support their partner/ team mates, and to deal with winning and losing.