Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Monday, 23 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2003. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Monday, 30 June 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to promote increased participation in sport in schools in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to promote increased participation in sport in schools in Northern Ireland. [121923] Jane Kennedy: Physical Education is compulsory within the Northern Ireland curriculum for all pupils from age 4 to 16 and this shows the degree of importance which is attached to the subject. It is essential that pupils develop an understanding of the importance of physical activity to a healthy lifestyle in later life. Schools themselves determine how much time is devoted to PE in the curriculum, but they have been encouraged to give pupils at least two hours PE per week. The PE Programme of Study is also flexible enough to enable teachers to adjust the activities available to cater for developing the particular sporting interests of all pupils and so make the subject enjoyable for them. The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) is currently carrying out a review of the curriculum, and PE is being considered as part of this review.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 121923; 408 c101W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Curriculum Northern Ireland Publicity Physical education Schools Sports
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk