Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
2nd Year Active Bodies and Healthy Minds
A comprehensive physical education program for Year 2 students focusing on fundamental movement skills, cooperative play, and holistic wellbeing. Students develop physical literacy through structured play, creative movement, and an introduction to personal health concepts.
Mastering Movement and Locomotion
Students refine their fundamental movement skills including running, jumping, and skipping while developing spatial awareness.
Exploring how to move safely at different speeds and levels within a shared space.
Developing the technique for stable landings and explosive vertical and horizontal jumps.
Practicing skipping, galloping, and side-stepping to a consistent beat or rhythm.
Creative Gymnastics and Body Control
Focusing on poise, balance, and the ability to transfer weight across different body parts.
Creating interesting shapes using different points of contact with the ground.
Learning safe ways to roll and move weight from feet to hands.
Linking balances and movements together to create a short gymnastics routine.
Games and Cooperative Play
Introducing basic tactical awareness and the importance of teamwork in game situations.
Developing hand-eye coordination through throwing, catching, and kicking activities.
Understanding the concept of attacking a space and defending a goal.
Exploring why rules exist and how to be a respectful teammate and opponent.
Dance and Expressive Movement
Using the body to communicate feelings, stories, and ideas through creative dance.
Moving through space using high, medium, and low levels and different floor patterns.
Creating movements inspired by music, pictures, or spoken word.
Working with others to mirror movements and create synchronized patterns.
Outdoor Adventures and Orientation
Developing problem-solving skills and basic navigation in the outdoor environment.
Learning to interpret simple maps and follow marked routes around the school grounds.
Solving physical puzzles that require cooperation and communication.
Understanding the 'Leave No Trace' principles while being active outdoors.
Healthy Bodies and Happy Minds
Connecting physical activity to overall health, nutrition, and emotional wellbeing.
Identifying healthy food choices and the importance of hydration for physical activity.
Understanding how regular movement affects our heart, lungs, and mood.
Learning techniques to calm the body and focus the mind after high-energy activity.