DUBLIN, Oct. 17 — The Department of Education and Youth has announced the expansion of its Physical Activity Pilot Programme, with 41 schools — including six post-primary and 35 primary institutions — chosen to take part in the initiative’s second phase. Each school has received grant funding to support projects designed to integrate movement into daily teaching and learning.
Embedding Activity in Learning
The programme, first launched in 2024, aims to help teachers and school leaders embed physical activity into classroom practice, beyond traditional physical education lessons. Selected schools are encouraged to be innovative and creative, using movement to enhance engagement, wellbeing, and academic outcomes.
Examples of projects include:
- St Michael’s House Special National School, Ballymun, Dublin — “Rhythm and Reach: Using Dance to Support Active Learning”
- Newport Convent Primary School, Tipperary — “Empowering Girls Through Movement”
- McEgan College, Cork — “Moving Minds: Building Lifelong Physical Literacy Through Expert-Led Learning”
Ministerial Support
Minister Helen McEntee TD welcomed the initiative, stating: “This pilot programme recognises the importance of physical activity in teaching and learning, and in health and wellbeing. It acknowledges the vital role of physical activity as a tool for schools to deliver a culture that supports the wellbeing of learners.”
She added that the strong level of applications demonstrated the growing recognition of physical activity as central to school life.
Minister Moynihan also praised the initiative, noting: “By bringing movement and creativity into lessons, we are not only supporting academic success but also nurturing confidence, focus and joy in learning.”
Selection Criteria
Applications were assessed against four key criteria:
- Integration of physical activity into curricular or cross-curricular areas
- Anticipated benefits and leadership support
- Learner involvement in project design and implementation
- Potential for long-term cultural change in schools
Looking Ahead
The pilot will run throughout the 2025/2026 school year, with outcomes expected to inform future national policy on integrating physical activity into education. Officials say the programme reflects a broader government commitment to student wellbeing, innovation in teaching, and healthier school environments.
