Course Catalogue

The programme aims to develop individuals with a critical understanding of Physical Education, through theoretical, practical and work based learning experiences and will: Develop students' knowledge and understanding of physical education and pedagogy and develop students’ ability to apply skills in a variety of educational contexts; Build upon students' existing academic skills in order to facilitate student development as a critically reflective, autonomous, lifelong learner; Facilitate students' development of employability and high-level transferable skills and attributes in order to prepare the student to be a confident, effective educational practitioner; Facilitate students' creative and critical enquiry in associated areas of study in Physical Education; Enhance students' appreciation of the importance and influence of Physical Education in lifelong participation in physical activity and sport; Encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a Self-Awareness Statement.

The methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated are as follows: Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is gained through a range of teaching and learning approaches that will be used depending on the nature of the subject matter, the student learning experience and the level of study. Students will be taught in a range of different sized groups depending upon the nature of the activity. Physical Education practical's will cover a range of activities and will support the students in developing their own skills, competencies and abilities within each practical activity and teaching. This knowledge will be supplemented by more theoretically focused learning to ensure a rounded and comprehensive understanding of the subjects studied. Work Related Learning (WRL) will be used to bring real life experiences into the curriculum, and this will allow students a chance to either work with outside agencies in the community or schools or to work with real problems and case studies. Work Based Learning (WBL) forms an integral part of the programme and offers students the chance to engage in a placement of their choice and start to create their own connections and networks. Through Peer learning Groups (PLG),Personal Development Planning (PDP),WBL and dissertation, students get a chance to plan own goals and actions and become pro-active in moving themselves towards their future career. Tutorial support is given on all modules through a variety of processes and support is also offered through the personal tutor system Formal assessment of knowledge and understanding is through seen and unseen examinations, assessed coursework (such as essays, reports, and portfolios) and individual and group presentations. Projects are based in the main on individual research. Intellectual skills are promoted, practiced and developed through more active learning processes and a variety of teaching methods including case studies, work related learning opportunities, group work, reflection and at Level 6 through independent work in the dissertation and negotiated module. All modules in the programme emphasise student centred learning, involving students in task based activities followed by discussion, feedback and a wider application of the concepts. These skills will be built up on and developed as a student progresses through their programme of study. Guest lectures involve delivery of current initiatives and personal reflections of practitioners. All students receive initial generic and module specific guidance and specialist induction on the identification and use of multimedia materials during induction week and alternative local and non-local sources. Guidance for the production of coursework-essays, oral presentations, dissertations, are provided at modular level. Criteria for assessment accompany individual assignments. Indicative and essential sources accompany course outlines. Feedback will be given to help students to appraise their own performance and development and personal tutor groups will be used as a peer support mechanism and a place to practice.

At Portobello Institute we feel it is vitally important to enable students to gain as broad a range of employment related skills as possible. To that end, we ensure that work related learning (sometimes known as work placement) is an integral part of the course. Work Related Learning (WRL) not only provides an opportunity to gain first hand experience, it also provides students with valuable contacts and information regarding possible employment upon graduation. Work related learning is an integral part of the programme at Level 4 & 5 and 6. The student experience comprises of: Level 4: Personal and Professional Development (1). Level 5: Personal and Professional Development (2). Level 6: The 'Make it Happen' modules are 'project based' modules that are linked to WRL, though is not necessarily a placement. However, the students will learn valuable employability skills in their chosen organisational type. Within the modules 6504SPOSCI and 6503SPOSCI: students have the opportunity to complete projects n issues related to physical education and sport, there will be opportunities for students to collect data from the 'workplace' for example: schools and the community. The Faculty Work Related Unit's focus includes arranging and supporting all the Faculty's student work placements within business and school settings ensuring that the requirements for students are met. The programme team and the WRL co-ordinator for the programme works closely with the Faculty team in terms of placing and supporting students. All administration is successfully managed in the Work Related Learning Unit which provides support for all work related learning activity in the Faculty. The Employability Co-ordinator for the Programme liaises with the Work Related Learning Unit at key times throughout the year. Garda Vetting applications are required to be completed by all students. Information about Garda Vetting application procedures is provided to students at induction and available via ePortobello. If a student is unsuccessful in attaining Garda Vetting, they can still complete the programme and placement experience however they will be limited in the type of placement they are eligible. The Academic Manager, Head of Quality and Module Lead are jointly responsible for the communication and support process for students under these circumstances.