7. Consensus Statement

The future development of Physical Education takes place within a rapidly changing context. In assessing this context the Executive of the PEAI has proposed the following statement.

1. Primary school Physical Education is the cornerstone of any Physical Education system
   
2. Social, economic political and educational developments are radically changing the nature and quality of life for our citizens.
   
3. We are developing a culture, which is becoming more passive, dependent, materialistic and less physically active and healthy.
   
4. It this trend continues, there with be serious consequences for the health of the nation and in relation to quality of life.
   
5. Physical Education provides one of the means by which children can be educated and equipped to deal with this new society.
   
6. To meet these challenges, the nature and delivery of Physical Education should he re-defined.
   
7. This re-definition should focus on the main outcomes, which we are seeking at the end of the post-primary cycle: attitude towards physical activity; skills to take part at a recreational and/or competitive level; pursuit of physical activity as an area of study or career development.
   
8. Proposed new syllabi at primary, junior and senior cycle levels should be implemented in full.
   
9. The role of the Physical Education teacher should be re-defined to recognise facilitation, teaching, planning, organising and coaching roles, which form part of everyday life in schools.
   
10. The Physical Education teacher should be the prime mover in school plans in the area of physical activity and should be a key link with support teachers/agencies.
    
11. The importance of national and school culture in defining Physical Education needs to be recognised.