WITH OBESITY ON the rise in Ireland, and particular concerns about overweight in those under 12, one school principal thinks he has the answer to what could curb this trend.
Sean Cottrell, CEO of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN), says that two hours of PE should be made mandatory for Irish pupils.
“A healthy mind in a healthy body captures the essence of a holistic education,” stated Cottrell. He believes that in that context, the one hour per week dedicated to physical education is “wholly inadequate”.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, he said there is a need for someone to do something about child obesity, but “no one is doing anything”. But he said that IPPN members have identified this as an issue they are concerned about.
What about facilities?
Some schools, Cottrell acknowledges, might not have brilliant or unlimited space for physical education. But he says that shouldn’t stop them from getting something done.
“Obviously schools by right should have proper indoor PE facilities,” he said. But if it will take years for these to be put in place, he says “in the meantime there are things you can do with children to improve their fitness”.
This includes activity in the playground, such as skipping or hopping, or using local facilities like GAA fields.
“Things can be done and if we don’t do something about it, the reality is a lot of young kids are going to end up hitting their teenage years and being overweight as well,” he said.
“I think it’s time we take a quick sharp look at where we are going.”
Cottrell isn’t alone in this thinking – two hours of compulsory PE was also suggested by the Irish Heart Foundation and the Federation of Irish Sport last October.
He wants “urgent reform” in the teaching of Physical Education (PE) in primary schools.
He is specifically drawing people’s attention to obesity in young Irish people, and the fact that a “worrying percentage” of our 15 year old teenagers are already showing signs of early cardio-vascular disease.
Cottrell is due to speak to 1200 primary school principals about the idea when they meet this week for the annual conference of the IPPN on Thursday and Friday.
More time
A recent IPPN survey of almost 1000 primary principals showed that 85% of them identified physical education as the subject that should be allocated more time.
Cottrell said that if primary principals are serious about dealing with mental health issues in society, PE must be taught for at least two hours per week.
IPPN said that addressing the issue starts with the provision of adequate PE facilities in all schools.
“These facilities must be capable of accommodating physical activities for all children during periods of inclement weather,” it said.
What do you think. Should two hours of PE a week be made mandatory for pupils?
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