Physical Education

In Ashton our objective is for all students to participate in a variety of activities and with that, find an appreciation of activity and sport for lifelong learning.

We aim to enhance students’ confidence and competence through varied five week programmes which include hockey, basketball, soccer, rugby, athletics, dance, gymnastics, swimming and Olympic handball, to name a few.

It is no surprise as a result that we can frequently boast 100% participation in Physical Education classes.

First Years will participate in a Physical Education programme which is in line with the Junior Cycle syllabus and will participate in all seven strands of the Junior Cycle Physical Education curriculum.

We offer both a unique and an extensive Transition Year Physical Education Programme in this school. Aside from compulsory Transition Year Physical Education for 1 hour 20 minutes, students have the chance to engage in circuit training, adapted physical activity; including wheelchair basketball, team challenges, core work, sport science and sports studies.

Student Testimonials:

Physical Education for me in Ashton has been a spectacular experience.

It is really important for me to have every week because it helps with my physical and mental health.

Ashton PE has a very friendly and positive atmosphere. People of all abilities are included.

My experience of PE in Ashton has personally been outstanding.

Extra-Curricular Activity:

The aim of our Extra-Curricular programme in Ashton is to give students a chance to grow and develop socially and personally by participating, and acquiring proficiency in sporting activities. In addition, it promotes team work, team building and lifelong skills.

We offer extracurricular activities based on demand.

Hockey is our main sport in Ashton for boys and girls, with 1st year, minor, junior, and senior teams. In recent years we have gone on tours with boys and girls teams playing hockey up the North, to the UK and to Holland. Our students have represented Munster and Ireland at both u16 and u18 levels.

Soccer has a huge profile in Ashton with first year, u15, u17, and u19 boys’ soccer teams. All teams compete in the Munster Trophy and Cork Competitions.

We prepare athletics teams for cross country championships, Munster indoors and South Munsters. We also train and prepare students in athletics in summer months for Sports Day and the Inter School Athletics Championships.

Badminton and table tennis are available each week for both boys and girls after school. We co-ordinate Tennis Competitions in the Summer Months. Basketball, Zumba, Camogie are all on offer for students if there is demand after school.

In addition to hockey, our students have represented Ireland in Tae Kwando, soccer, climbing, sailing, rowing, dancing, show jumping, orienteering and swimming.

We are incredibly fortunate to have top of the range facilities and equipment in this new school with a brand new hockey pitch, a revamped sports hall, changing rooms and showers, mini-astro pitch and outdoor tennis courts.

Ashton Annual Sporting Calendar:

Our annual sports day is held in CIT and creates a chance for all students to partake in competitive track and field events, as well as enjoyable and all-encompassing races. This day is carried out with the utmost precision with timings and records dating back to the end of world war one, 1918.

The Sponsored walk is another unique annual activity in the school calendar.  This is keenly anticipated by 1st-5th year students who walk, or run a designated route around Blackrock. This generates great comradery amongst students and has been successful in raising a substantial amount annually for local charities.

Active schools week, which is held in May reiterates the central message of our Physical Education Department that physical activity is not just good for you but can also be highly enjoyable, with games and competitions carried out at lunch and after school.

Sports Assembly is held at the end of each school year and acknowledges and credits the hard work, diligence and dedication of students involved in various teams and sporting codes.