Primary teachers have not received the regular training they need to effectively teach physical education (PE) to their students, an education expert has claimed. John Downes reports.
Ms Frances Murphy, of St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, said that despite recent concerns about childhood obesity, primary teachers had received no in-service training in the subject, outside of summer courses, since 1971.
This meant that some might be emphasising the wrong aspects of development for children as they had had no contact with new approaches in the area. Furthermore, they might not be getting the most out of the facilities at their disposal in schools.
Ms Murphy said diet and exercise were the two key issues which affect childhood obesity.
"It is crucial that we don't just focus on diet," she said. "The indications are very strong that for children who are engaged in physical activity childhood obesity is less likely.
"Children don't have the skills and understanding to engage in formal physical activity. The role of PE is to educate them," she said.
Delivering the second annual Eriugena lecture in St Patrick's College later today, Ms Murphy will underline the fact that the opportunities presented to children to engage in quality programmes of physical education have been limited.
Ms Murphy has created a programme for the professional development of PE teachers.