Team challenges is an excellent, yet underused aspect of the Junior Cert P.E. curriculum, especially when dealing with a first year group such as this one. It provides students with an excellent platform in which to improve their communication, co – operative and team working skills in a fun environment. Presenting the student with an element of adventure and challenge in a controlled environment can lead to the development of qualities such as self-reliance, self-confidence, responsibility, regard for others and respect for the environment. Team challenges also encourages students to use their critical thinking and analysing skills in order to overcome some of the challenges posed. The idea of starting the year with team challenges is for the students to get to know and become comfortable with each other in a fun and active environment. 

 

I believe my approach will enable my students to use the right communication and thinking skills when working together as a team, and that these skills will carry over to other aspects of the curriculum once we move on to different subject areas. The rules, routines and skills learned in team challenges will be a benefit to the students throughout the year of P.E.