The purpose of Physical Education as a separate area within the primary curriculum is to provide the opportunity for specific attention to be given to the physical development, health and well-being of children.

At St Patrick’s Primary School we aim to contribute to the whole education of the child by enabling them to participate in purposeful physical and sporting activities. The children have access to numerous resources and facilities. They make excellent use of the school's playing field, playground, PE and Assembly hall.

Within the curriculum the children are given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of individual and team sports. The PE timetable is split between team games and either dance, gym, outdoor activity, swimming or athletics. Swimming lessons take place each week for Primary 5,6 &7 in the Orchard Leisure Centre and the school takes part in the annual Apple Blossom Swimming gala.

Many of these experiences are enriched in extra curricula activities by drawing on the expertise held within the school's teaching staff.

The school has an excellent sporting history in Boys and Girls Gaelic football and for many years now, we have been building stronger interest and achievements in Camogie, Hurling and Soccer. 

St. Patrick's has a very strong link with local sports clubs within our community.  Throughout the year we have qualified local coaches providing opportunities to children in boys and girls gaelic football (P1-P7), hurling and camogie (P1-P7) and soccer (P2-P7).  Thses activities last throughout the entire year.

Coaching in Badminton, kids fitness and handball are also offered to certain year groups on a 6-8 weekly basis throughout the year.

Hurling/Camogie coaching and Boys/Girls Gaelic coaching is also provided within the children's P.E. time, by coaches from Armagh County Board.  P1-P4 children are introduced to Physical Literacy Fundamentals in the GAA Gaelic games programme, provided free of charge by qualified GAA Ulster Council coaches, all year round, every week of the school year. 

You can find out more about the range of sports and see photographs of some of the school teams in the Clubs section.