Mary Immaculate College-University of Limerick Annual Student Teacher IPPEA Event Report

Our annual end-of-year workshop, supported by the IPPEA, took place on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025. Three guest speakers were invited to talk about PE leadership in primary schools.

Caoimhe Costelloe, a teacher in Our Lady’s Abbey primary school in Adare, spoke about how her school plans and implements PE and physical activity interventions on a whole-school basis. Describing the school community’s commitment to initiatives like the Active School Flag, she also explained how teachers in the school use IPPEA resources to support their teaching.

Oisin Ryan, a recent PE Specialism graduate, and current Infant teacher and IPPEA committee member, spoke about his experiences as an NQT, and the PE leadership role that he was undertaking in his school. He also explored his recent decision to engage in postgraduate research, focused on pupil motivation in PE.

Finally, Brian Boyle, a primary school principal and postgraduate researcher, led some scenario-based activities that were designed to assist the development of whole school plans for PE. During these activities, the students were encouraged to begin drafting an annual plan, aligned with the draft Wellbeing curriculum framework.

Student feedback on the workshop was very positive, as they prepare for teaching next September.
– Organiser Dr. Richard Bowles, Lecturer Mary Immaculate