16th October 2008

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The University of Ulster is helping development of gymnastics in the physical education curriculum with the introduction of a new training course for primary school teachers.

GymFun, which is taught by experts in gymnastics coaching from Ulster’s School of Sports Studies, develops teachers’ skills in delivering gymnastics and movement skills to pupils. The course leads to a professional qualification – an accredited British Gymnastics Teachers award.

It is delivered by Ulster lecturers Dr Marie Murphy, Sinead Connolly and Tandy Haughey who are accredited British Gymnastics tutors and trained PE teachers.

Dr Marie Murphy, Head of the School of Sports Studies, said: “Gymnastics and movement education are fundamental parts of a well balanced PE programme and if taught well can contribute to lifelong physical activity and sporting involvement.

“The School of Sports Studies is pleased to share our expertise in teaching and coaching gymnastics with primary school teachers. Together with the support of the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB), we hope the course will allow these primary teachers to increase their confidence in delivering this vital area of the physical education curriculum.”

Participating teachers will have the option of inviting Ulster Sports Studies students – who hold recognised gymnastics coaching qualifications – to their school to assist them with new gymnastics activity in their PE classes.

Already, the programme has hosted a two-day course for 23 teachers from NEELB. Libby Mailey, Primary School PE liaison officer with NEELB said:

“The GymFun initiative is an ideal progressive and developmental model for the enhancement of primary school gymnastics teaching strategies. It provides teachers with the necessary tools to further develop the ongoing work already in place within our primary schools.   The fact that the course is delivered by expert physical education personnel who are recognised gymnastics tutors provides the quality assurance that is so relevant within this area of further professional development for teachers.”

Sinead Connolly, Associate Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Sciences, said: “Gymnastics activities and skills are central to the development of children’s physical literacy and competence. It was great to be involved in the delivery of the first GymFun course. We anticipated a big need for it but I was quite surprised at just how enthusiastic and appreciative the teachers were for what we had on offer. If these teachers can bring this enthusiasm, combined with their new skills, into their PE lessons, then the future is bright.”

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter