Physical Activity

• In Dunboyne JPS we are aware that children should be getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.  We aim to encourage as much physical activity as possible throughout the school day.
• The children are encouraged to run and play in the yard during both break times- 10 minutes at the morning break and 30 minutes at the afternoon break. 
• When the weather is good 1st and 2nd class children have access to the grass area to play football.
• Both yards have playground markings on them to encourage active play e.g. 'dens' for Tag, hundred squares and hopscotch.
• Both yards also have a lane painted around the perimeter where children are encouraged to 'do their talking while walking'. 
• Both yards have a box of playground resources which include hoola-hoops, beanbags, balls and skipping ropes.  Each class has one day per week when they are allowed play with these resources during both breaks.  
• Last year we introduced a new running initiative called 'Drop Everything and Jog'.  Each class is timetabled for 10 minutes per day when they can go out to the yard and jog or walk laps using the red perimeter.  They record how many laps they do each day on a record sheet attached to their classroom door.  The children really enjoy this and it is a great way to energise them in between lessons. 
• Movement breaks are encouraged throughout the day and many teachers use GoNoodle and Just Dance Kids on the Interactive whiteboards.
• Some classes took part in the Athletics Ireland running initiative last year and really enjoyed it.  
• Every class is timetabled for 2 half hour slots per week in the courtyard, where the children have access to climbing frames, swings, slides, monkey bars, ladders etc.   2 classes per day also visit the courtyard at break times along with pupils from the ASD class.  
• We have taken part in the Operation Transformation 10@10 programme for the past 2 years.  The children have followed along with the videos and completed their exercises in the classroom with their teachers.  
• Walking, cycling or scooting to school is actively encouraged by our OFF days (On Foot Fridays) and we have recently gained our Green Flag for travel as a result of this.