§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to promote increased participation in sport in schools in Northern Ireland. [121923]
§ Jane KennedyPhysical Education is compulsory within the Northern Ireland curriculum for all pupils from age 4 to 16 and this shows the degree of importance which is attached to the subject. It is essential that pupils develop an understanding of the importance of physical activity to a healthy lifestyle in later life. Schools themselves determine how much time is devoted to PE in the curriculum, but they have been encouraged to give pupils at least two hours PE per week. The PE Programme of Study is also flexible enough to enable teachers to adjust the activities available to cater for developing the particular sporting interests of all pupils and so make the subject enjoyable for them. The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) is currently carrying out a review of the curriculum, and PE is being considered as part of this review.