PE &
Extra-curricular Sport
Physical Education and Sport are central to life at De La Salle College. The department aims to develop pupils’ physical competence, confidence, teamwork and resilience, while promoting lifelong health and wellbeing.
Through a broad and inclusive curriculum, pupils experience a wide range of sporting activities that balance participation, skill development and competitive excellence. The department is recognised for its strong tradition in soccer, Gaelic football and hurling, alongside a commitment to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of ability, can engage positively in physical activity.
Accredited pathways at KS4 and KS5, combined with a rich extracurricular programme, support pupils’ personal development, academic achievement and future aspirations.
KS3
At Key Stage 3, pupils follow a broad and balanced Physical Education curriculum in line with the Northern Ireland Curriculum. The focus is on developing physical literacy, fundamental movement skills, teamwork, leadership, resilience and personal responsibility.
Across Years 8–10, pupils experience a wide range of activities, including:
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Team games: soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, basketball and rugby
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Minor and alternative games such as uni-hockey, dodgeball and Danish long ball
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Athletics and cross-country
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Gymnastics and trampolining
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Health-related physical education, fitness and strength & conditioning
Lessons emphasise skill development, fair play, cooperation and an understanding of the physical and mental health benefits of regular physical activity. Enrichment opportunities include inter-class competitions and participation in extracurricular sport.
KS4
At Key Stage 4, all pupils continue to participate in Physical Education, with additional accredited options available for those wishing to specialise further.
The department offers:
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GCSE Physical Education (50% practical / 50% theory)
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OCN NI Level 2 Vocational Sport (100% coursework and practical assessment)
Key areas of study include anatomy and physiology, fitness training, performance analysis, leadership and officiating, alongside practical performance. Pupils select activities through option-block practical programmes. These qualifications support progression to Post-16 study, coaching pathways and sport-related careers.
KS5
At Post-16, students may study BTEC Level 3 Sport (Single or Double Award). This vocational qualification prepares students for university courses, apprenticeships and employment within the sport, fitness and leisure industries.
Units include:
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Anatomy and physiology
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Fitness training and programming
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Sports psychology
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Coaching and leadership
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Professional development in the sports industry
Assessment is primarily coursework-based, supporting the development of independent learning, research and applied practical skills.
Extra-curricular
De La Salle College has a strong sporting tradition and competes at all age groups in soccer, Gaelic football and hurling, alongside cross-country, athletics and health-related fitness activities. The school is widely recognised for sporting success, including nine Belfast Senior Cup wins in soccer, recent successes at junior levels, and continued achievement in Gaelic games and hurling at provincial level.
Beyond competitive sport, the department places a strong emphasis on participation and wellbeing. Through the Youth Sport Programme, pupils can take part in inter-class leagues, coaching courses and holiday coaching schemes. The department also maintains a long-standing sporting and cultural exchange with St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, offering pupils valuable enrichment experiences.
Extra-curricular activities, training times and sign-up information are communicated regularly through school announcements and PE staff. Pupils are encouraged to speak directly to PE teachers and coaches for further information.
Facilities
The department benefits from excellent on-site and external facilities, including:
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Dedicated fitness suite and additional Strength & Conditioning room
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Glassmullin multi-use playing facility
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Multi-purpose Sports Hall
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Gymnasium
