7.4.1.1 Physical Education Resource Teachers
The Taskforce recommends:
- The appointment of 150 Resource Teachers to upskill all current teachers in primary and intermediate schools in the content and use of the Health and Physical Education Curriculum.
- Resource Teachers be appointed on a ratio of 1:15 schools.
- Provision be made for training costs necessary to upskill Resource Teachers of Physical Education through approved short-term teacher training programmes.
The duration of this initiative is directly dependent upon the effectiveness of the training of pre-service teachers. As newly trained teachers move into schools they will bring full understandings of health, physical activity, recreation and sport that would otherwise be given by the Resource Teachers of Physical Education. The education sector will then have opportunity to achieve economic savings through efficiencies. The cost per position (including operational costs) is calculated to average $60,000 per annum plus provision for central administration costs.
Total cost: $9.25 million
7.4.1.2 Professional Development of Secondary School Physical Education Heads of Department
The Taskforce recommends that:
- All current Heads of Physical Education Departments must undertake professional development in order to be upskilled in the new Health and Physical Education Curriculum.
Total cost: $0.5 million
7.4.1.3 Secondary School Recreation and Sport Coordinators
The Taskforce recommends that:
- A full salary and operations subsidy contribution be paid for the appointment of Recreation and Sport Coordinators in each secondary school with a roll of 300 pupils or over. Schools under 300 pupils must be resourced on a pro-rata basis.
- Each position be in addition to the current Physical Education Department staff and be an upgrading and expansion of the existing sports coordinator positions.
- The cost per position (including operational costs) is calculated to average $45,000 per annum.
Total cost: $15 million
7.4.1.4 Secondary School Regional Recreation and Sport Directors
The Taskforce recommends that:
- Funding for Regional Directors be provided to lead the network of School Recreation and Sport Coordinators and representatives. Each position is to work closely with the Regional Trusts. Two positions should be appointed in each region as per 6.9.1.
- The Directors work closely with Regional Recreation and Sport Organisations to ensure the smooth transition of school leavers into post-school recreation and sport activities.
- The cost per region is calculated to average $75,000 per annum.
Total cost: $1.5 million
