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Pushing Your Limits II

PE event 17th October

Pushing your Limits II took place Thursday 17th October 6.30-8.30pm. The event was organised by Susan Marron and Emily Rodgers. Eleven third year primary student teachers specialising in Physical Education, and one Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student told their stories of how they pushed their limits on Erasmus + experiences in Norway. Using photographs, they summarised what they learned about themselves personally and professionally. Our invited guest speaker Tessa Rafferty, a DCU Alumn, Primary Educator, Environmentalist and Blue Ocean Adventurer recounted, using fabulous videos, about pushing her limits outdoors with beach cleaning in Norway, and where this has led her; Tessa included stories about her surfing exploits in Portugal and Ireland. She focused on how she integrates outdoor and adventure activities and conservation into her Physical Education lessons and primary teaching to date.

The event was attended by over 50 guests including parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, students, staff of the Bachelor of Education programme and invited guests. We had two special online guests. Age Vigane, from the University of Stavanger Norway, whose knowledge and love of the outdoors and sustainability inspired and motivated our students on their Erasmus programmes. Age works in the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Department of Primary school teacher training, Sports and Special Pedagogy. Rachel Rafferty was present online from New Zealand. Rachel, a former BED student undertook the PE Specialism and Erasmus programme in Stavanger a number of years ago. Having taught a few years as a primary teacher Rachel joined the Physical Education team in the School of Arts Education and Movement as a Teaching Assistant for 2 years. During this time Rachel completed her Masters by Research linked to outdoor learning. She travelled last May with Susan Marron and the students to Stavanger on the Blended Intensive Programme. 

Special thanks to Sadhbh Mackey Bachelor of Education Year 4 and Aoife Delaney Bachelor of Childhood Education Year 4, and the Blended Intensive Programme students Tara O Neill, Therese Lew, Meaghan Greene, Anna Campbell, Darian Corcoran, Eimear Treacy, Emer Ruddin, Jill Olive Stephen, Leah Shannon and Sara Susan Stephens. Thanks, is also due to Cillian Brennan on the event night to ensure that all the technology worked to make the online element a success.