Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
3rd Year Active Bodies, Healthy Minds: Year 3 Physical Education
A comprehensive physical education program for Year 3 students focusing on fundamental movement skills, cooperative play, and holistic wellbeing. Students develop physical literacy through structured games, creative movement, and health education to foster a lifelong appreciation for an active lifestyle.
Mastering Movement and Athletics
Students refine their fundamental movement skills through running, jumping, and throwing activities. This unit emphasizes personal bests and the mechanics of efficient movement.
Developing explosive power and reaction times from various starting positions. Students explore how body posture affects speed and acceleration.
Exploring the phases of jumping including take-off, flight, and landing. Students practice vertical and horizontal jumps safely.
Introducing overarm and underarm throwing techniques using various equipment. Focus is placed on the coordination between the upper and lower body.
Invasion Games and Team Strategy
Focusing on the tactical elements of team sports such as space awareness and passing. Students learn to work collaboratively to achieve a common goal.
Understanding how to move into open space to receive a pass. Students practice losing a defender and maintaining team possession.
Learning the basics of man-to-man marking and goal protection. Students explore how to intercept passes and slow down the opposition.
Examining the importance of rules and respect in competitive environments. Students discuss the impact of their behavior on others.
Gymnastics and Body Control
Developing core strength, flexibility, and balance through floor work and apparatus. Students create sequences that demonstrate control and poise.
Practicing balances on different points of contact and while moving. Students explore the concept of a center of gravity.
Learning safe rolling techniques such as the log roll and tucked roll. Students practice transferring weight from feet to hands.
Combining jumps, rolls, and balances into a choreographed routine. Students focus on the flow and aesthetics of their performance.
Creative Dance and Expression
Using movement to respond to music, rhythm, and stimuli. Students develop their own creative voice through individual and group choreography.
Responding to different beats and speeds of music. Students learn to synchronize their movements with an external rhythm.
Using the body to communicate feelings such as joy, anger, or excitement. Students explore how facial expressions and posture enhance dance.
Learning traditional Irish dances and exploring dances from other cultures. Focus is on pattern recognition and social interaction.
Outdoor Challenges and Adventure
Engaging in problem-solving activities and basic orienteering in the school environment. Students build trust and communication skills.
Learning to read simple maps of the school grounds and identifying landmarks. Students practice following a set course.
Participating in group challenges that require cooperation and critical thinking. Students reflect on leadership and listening.
Understanding the 'Leave No Trace' principles while being active outdoors. Students explore the link between nature and wellbeing.
Healthy Bodies and Active Lifestyles
Exploring the science of exercise and the importance of nutrition. Students learn how to monitor their own physical health and set personal goals.
Investigating heart rate, breathing, and body temperature changes during activity. Students learn why the body needs to warm up and cool down.
Identifying healthy food choices and the importance of hydration. Students categorize foods based on the energy they provide.
Reflecting on physical progress throughout the year and setting targets for the future. Students celebrate their improvements in skills and fitness.