The Be Active Programme

During the the Autumn term in the next school year we hope to introduce the Be Active After-school Activity Programme for six-weeks. Fatima N.S.staff completed their training for the programme earlier this year. 

Be Active ASAP

Takes place after school on school grounds.

This offers a safe, familiar, convenient setting for an age-appropriate introduction to after-school physical activity.

Designed for 7-8 year olds.

This is an age at which children begin to make decisions regarding their likes/dislikes or abilities regarding physical activity.

Led by trained teacher leaders.

Teachers were chosen to lead the programme as they have the knowledge to adjust activities to challenge children appropriately, irrespective of ability.

Involves parents in their children’s physical activity.

Parental support is crucial to the programme to improve the adult:child ratio, to support the teacher and to set a good example for the children.

Gives children the chance to succeed.

This programme concentrates on building confidence across a broad range of activities echoing the Physical Education Curriculum for Primary Schools experienced by children during the school day.The Be Active ASAP aims to improve the physical activity patterns of school children by introducing them to a wide variety of activities in a fun, supportive, positive environment, fostering positive attitudes toward physical activity during children’s crucial formative years.

The Be Active After-School Activity Programme is supported by the Health Promotion and Improvement Department of the HSE and facilitated by your Local Sports Partnership in association with the Sport Ireland. Resources for the programme were compiled by PE staff of DCU college of Education. There are almost 700 schools trained to deliver Be Active ASAP nationwide. 

The Be Active ASAP originated when a group of parents led by a PE staff member of St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, came together to organize after-school sessions of physical activity at their children’s school, St. Brigid’s National School, Castleknock.

The initiative was borne out of a perceived need to broaden the physical activity experiences of school-aged children and to involve parents in such experiences. As the programme expanded it was refined and developed. Teachers were approached to deliver the programme, adding their experience and knowledge to the commitment of parent leaders, and becoming the key facilitators in their respective schools.

The Be Active ASAP introduces children to fun physical activity in a safe, familiar, structured setting, with an emphasis on enjoyment, learning and variety of activity. The programme aims to improve the attitudes of both children and their parents towards physical activity and lay the foundation for positive, lifelong physical activity habits.