Monaghan / Cavan Primary Teacher In-Service Course

The Monaghan / Cavan Gaelic Games Primary Teacher In-Service Course took place this week in Rockcorry GAA, Monaghan from 19th – 21st August.

This main objective of the courses is the advancement of teachers’ pedagogical, teaching and learning and/or management skills, in the context of the primary school physical education curriculum. Courses are organised by the Local Education Centres, under the remit of The Department of Education and Skills.

Pat Culhane (National GAA Child Coordinator for Games Development) noted that “Participants will develop their ability to deliver elements of the PE Curriculum through the medium of Gaelic games. This course highlights the opportunity to integrate PE through the curriculum with emphasis on the numeracy and literacy programmes by using the various resources developed by the GAA. Also, for the first time, we will be piloting two Blended Courses using our new E-Learning Management System. Participant feedback has always been very positive. I encourage teachers to book a place on one of these courses.”

In all 11 summer in-service courses took place around the country in July and August. This included eight five day face-to face courses and three blended courses (three days face-to-face and two days online), with the Monaghan/Cavan course being a blended course. This dynamic and popular course is largely practical-based, introducing teachers to Hurling, Gaelic football, Camogie, Ladies Gaelic football, Handball and Rounders.

The courses are delivered by Games Development staff and tutors from the GAA, Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

On the Monaghan / Cavan Course the tutors were Paul O’Connor (Monaghan GDM), Colin Malone (Monaghan GDO), Aidan McCabe (Cavan GDO) and Ger Gribben (Camogie RDO).

Teachers involved came from schools in Monaghan, Cavan, Meath, Louth and Dublin, well done to all involved.