PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education promotes the physical, personal and social development of the pupil and aims to provide an enjoyable experience for all through physical education, games and extra-curricular sport. All pupils work as individuals, in groups and in teams and are encouraged to develop an aptitude for physical activity which will enable them to make informed choices and take a lifelong interest and enjoyment from physical activity.
Games and extra-curricular activities play an important role in the life of St Columba’s and pupils are given every encouragement to participate in the full range of extra-curricular activities on offer after school and on Saturday mornings.
Transitus-SII
Pupils: engage in purposeful and enjoyable physical activities; develop a positive attitude to health and physical fitness; develop a basic knowledge and understanding of a variety of activities; improve physical performance; develop social skills and social awareness; develop the concept of personal responsibility; continue to develop good levels of stamina, strength and flexibility; develop other aspects of physical education, for example, discipline, safety, personal hygiene, and self discipline; and continue inter-school competition.
At this stage more activities are introduced and the basic ground work covered in the Junior School is consolidated with further emphasis on the two main games hockey (girls) and rugby (boys). All classes have two periods a week and are single sex classes.
Activities: athletics, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, orienteering (Transitus), social dance, summer games, volleyball, hockey. Girls: dance, netball, tennis. Boys: cricket, rugby, soccer.
Senior II have one week in June at the Ardeonaig Outdoor Centre when they enjoy team building activities and have the opportunity to climb, kayak, canoe, hillwalk, sail or cycle.
SIII-SIV
Pupils: engage in purposeful and enjoyable physical activities; consolidate the aims already covered in Transtitus-SIII; extend their knowledge and understanding of curricular activities; are introduced to an element of choice; continue the development of social skills and social awareness; and continue inter-school competition.
In SIII-IV further emphasis is given to the two main games - hockey (girls) and rugby (boys). All classes have two 50 minute periods a week and are mostly single sex classes.
Activities: athletics, badminton, basketball, hockey, gymnastics, volleyball, squash, fitness, table tennis, summer games, social dance. Girls: dance, netball, tennis, aerobics, trampolining. Boys: rugby, cricket, soccer.
Senior IV have an outward bound trip when they enjoy team building activities and have the opportunity to climb, kayak, canoe, hillwalk, sail or cycle.
SV-SVI
Pupils: develop a life-long positive attitude to health and fitness; enjoy purposeful, satisfying and enjoyable PE activities; enhance their knowledge and understanding of sport through active participation in sporting activities.
Physical Education is still compulsory for all Senior pupils with a Wednesday afternoon devoted to PE (1 hour 40 minutes). Senior PE has option choices with the exception of the first term when both hockey and rugby players are expected to participate in those sports. Most activities on offer are for mixed groups.
Activities offered may include: aerobics, badminton, basketball, climbing, curling, fitness, golf, hockey, skiing, snow boarding, social dance (compulsory for all seniors), summer games, squash, tennis, team combat (aerobics), volleyball, weights, yoga. Girls: netball, new image rugby. Boys: rugby, football.
Facilities
- Large sports hall
- Fitness suite with machines and free-weights
- Games hall used for gymnastics and dance
- All-weather floodlit astroturf pitch for hockey and 6 tennis courts
- Assembly hall used for aerobics and dance
Use of:
- 3 rugby pitches, grass football pitch and large playing field for athletics and cross country at Birkmyre Park opposite Junior School
- Johnstone Swimming Baths
- Astroturf pitch for hockey, squash courts and all-weather athletics track at Linwood Sports Centre.