Physical Education - South Sudan Primary School Syllabus

This information is based on the South Sudan Physical Education Teacher Guide.

Introduction

Physical Education (PE) in South Sudan is a practical subject emphasizing active participation. The curriculum aims to develop physical competence, confidence, and understanding of healthy living. It promotes skillfulness, agility, physical development, and knowledge of the body in action. Students learn to think creatively, be competitive, and face challenges individually and in teams.

Curriculum Framework

The curriculum framework integrates PE into the broader educational context, incorporating South Sudanese culture and heritage. It emphasizes student competencies, values, and principles, including cross-cutting issues like:

• Life Skills
• Peace Education
• Environment and Sustainability

Rationale

PE promotes active and healthy lifestyles by teaching the basis of healthy living. It develops physical competence and confidence, enabling learners to participate in various activities and sports. Students develop knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and discover their aptitudes and preferences for lifelong physical activity.

Implications of the New Framework

• Independence and Creativity: Students develop confidence and independence through physical activities, contributing positively to society. They develop creative thinking and a range of movements.
• Knowledge and Skills: PE focuses on practical application of skills and knowledge. Learners develop new physical skills and improve existing ones in a safe environment. Knowledge dissemination connects theory with practical performance.
• Active Learning: Practical learning is emphasized through various teaching styles and group sizes. Learners develop leadership and communication skills. Lessons balance new skill acquisition with practicing existing skills.
• Student Competencies: PE develops competencies applicable across subjects and life, including critical and creative thinking, communication, and cooperation. These competencies are integrated into syllabus units.
• Links Between PE and Cross-Cutting Issues: PE incorporates Peace Education, Life Skills, and Environment and Sustainability. Examples include sharing and taking turns (P1), promoting gender equality (P7), and discussing land use for sports facilities (P7/8).

Subject Strands

PE comprises three interconnected strands:

• Movement and Gymnastics: Focuses on body control, fluency, and consistency of movement. Learners develop creative movement skills and plan and design movement sequences.
• Sports and Games: Develops key techniques, tactics, and strategies for competitive games and sports. Emphasizes teamwork, individual skills, and evaluation of performance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Integrated into every lesson, covering safety, health information, and the link between physical activity and wellbeing.

Progression and Assessment

Progression involves building on prior learning, developing skills, and deepening understanding. Assessment utilizes observation, conversation, and product evaluation to gauge student learning and inform future instruction. Formative assessment is integrated into the teaching and learning process.

Syllabus Units

The curriculum is divided into four syllabus units per year, each covering 7-12 weeks. Units integrate the subject strands and incorporate cross-cutting issues. Teachers can adapt the unit organization based on school resources and events. Examples of unit breakdowns are provided in the teacher guide for each primary level. Weekly PE lessons range from 3 (P1-3) to 4 (P4-8), each lasting 35-40 minutes. Lessons incorporate warm-up/cool-down exercises, health and wellbeing discussions, and a mix of individual, paired, group, and team activities.

This detailed information provides a comprehensive overview of the South Sudan Primary School Physical Education syllabus. The teacher guide offers further details and examples for practical implementation.