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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS: ED2019)
Faculty School
NFQ level Credit Rating
Description

The nature and purpose of the subjects of drama and physical education will be explored with particular reference to the Primary Curriculum (1999). The role and significance of the body as a means of creative expression and communication together with motor skill development will be explored. Students will be supported in identifying and applying appropriate pedagogical approaches with an emphasis on aesthetic and physical literacies. Challenging, creative and motivating learning experiences will underpin the module as students are enabled to identify and create emotionally and physically safe environments for children. Students will be guided towards an understanding and appreciation of well-being and of experiences that can provide children with opportunities to develop a life-long interest in the arts, sport and physical activity. The Universal Design for Learning Framework is a guiding principle of this module, and is supported through active pedagogies and digital strategies

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand and appreciate the role and significance of the body as a means of creative expression and artistic communication through exploration of a wide range of content within drama and physical education
2. Demonstrate application of the concept of the student as an active learner, thinker, mover and problem solver engaging with the content of the drama and physical education curricula
3. Identify and apply appropriate pedagogical approaches in teaching drama and physical education leading towards mastery of a wide range of approaches on the continuum of teacher education.
4. Plan, implement, assess and evaluate effective, challenging, creative and motivating learning experiences that contribute to the child’s physical, affective, cognitive and expressive development through physical education and drama with due regard to differentiation and the need for inclusivity.
5. Explore the concept of the student as a social learner demonstrating tolerance and sensitivity towards others as they engage with the theoretical and practical elements of drama and physical education leading towards creation of a safe environment emotionally and physically for children.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Workshop44Engagement with theory through practical exploration of key concepts
Assignment Completion28Continuous assessment
Independent Study37Reading and Research
Directed learning16Engagement with specific materials to support understanding and experience of drama and physical education.
Total Workload: 125
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentAssignment 1(Drama) : Students work in groups to design a drama for children in upper primary classes. The drama is facilitated with peers followed by a reflection by the students, their peers and the module lecturers.50%n/a
AssignmentAssignment 2 (Physical Education) Group Assignment Students complete a group assignment focusing on how to communicate aspects of a PE programme to parents/colleagues in a primary school.25%n/a
ParticipationParticipation and engagement in physical education workshops is required25%n/a
ParticipationParticipation and engagement in drama education workshops is required0%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Armour, K.: 2011, Sport pedagogy: An introduction to teaching and coaching, Pearson,
  • Bailey, R.: 2001, Teaching physical education (pp. 79-89)., Oxon England, Routledge,
  • Baldwin, P: 2012, With Drama in Mind: Real Learning in Imagined Worlds, Network Educational Press, Stafford,
  • Bowell, P., & Heap, B. S.: 2013, Planning process drama: Enriching teaching and learning, 2nd ed, Routledge, London,
  • Capel, S. & Blair, R.: 2019, Debates in Physical Education, Debates in Subject Teaching, 332, 9781138586871
  • Government of Ireland: 1999, Primary School Curriculum: Drama, Dublin,
  • Government of Ireland: 1999, Primary Physical Education Curriculum, Dublin,
  • Government of Ireland: 1999, Primary Physical Education: Teacher Guidelines, Dublin,
  • Graham, G. Holt-Hale, S. & Parker, M: 0, Children Moving: A reflective approach to Teaching Physical Education, 10, McGraw-Hill, New York, 0078022746
  • Graham, G.: 2008, Teaching Children Physical Education, Human Kinetics, 242, 0736062106
  • Griggs, G. and Petrie, K.: 2018, Routledge Handbook of Primary Physical Education., Routledge, London,
  • Heathcote, D., & In O'Neill, C: 2015, Dorothy Heathcote on education and drama: Essential writings, Routledge, New York,
  • Lieberman, L. Grenier, M. Arndt, K. Brian, Ali: 2020, Universal Design for Learning in Physical Education, Human Kinetics Publishers, 216, 1492574996
  • McCabe, U: 2007, Classroom Drama: A Practical Guide, Primary ABC, Dublin,
  • Murphy, P. and O’Keeffe, M.: 2006, Discovering Drama: Theory and Practice for the Primary School, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin,


Articles:
  • Julie Dunn: 2016, Demystifying process drama: exploring the why, what and how, Drama Australia, 40, https://doi.org/10.1080/14452294.2016.1276738, 66227
  • 2019: Including all pupils in physical education, InTouch, 43, September, 189, https://www.into.ie/app/uploads/2019/07/InTouch_Sept2019_archive.pdf,
Other Resources

  • Website: Association for Drama in Education in Ireland, ADEI website, www.adei.ie
  • Website: David Farmer, Drama Resource Website, www.dramaresource.com
  • Podcast: Association for Drama in Education in Ireland, ADEI Podcast, https://www.adei.ie/hotseating
  • Webstie: Patrice Baldwin, Patrice Baldwin - Sample Dramas, https://patricebaldwin.me/lessons/
  • website: Department of Education and Skills, Active School Flag, www.activeschoolflag.ie
  • Website: Disentangling Inclusion in Primary Physical Education, www.dippe.lu
  • Website: British Orienteering, Tri-O-Orienteering Made Easy, www.britishorienteering.org.uk
  • Website: Orienteering Ireland, How to Orienteer, www.orienteering.ie/video-3
  • Website: Creative Dance a Digital Resource for Teachers and Dance Artists, https://artsineducation.ie/project/creative-dance-tales/
  • Website: NCCA, Fundamental Movement Skills Booklet, https://ncca.ie/en/resources/information-booklet-nurturing-young-children-s-physical-well-being-through-fundamental-movement-skills-3-6-years/
  • Website: Professional Development Services for Teachers, 2017, Move Well, Move Often, https://pdst.ie/sites/default/files/Book%201.pdf
  • Website: Water Safety Ireland, Primary Aquatics Water Safety, www.teachpaws.ie

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