Diploma in Physical Education (In-Service)

The Diploma in Physical Education (In Service) programme is for current school teachers who hold a Diploma in Education (Dip Ed) or Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from NIE or equivalent. This 6-month full time programme seeks to train teachers to teach Physical Education at the primary level.

To be considered for admission, you will need to demonstrate an interest and ability in PE and sports. In addition, you must pass a series of physical proficiency tests (PPT) and certified fit for physical activity and sport by medical doctors.

The modules may be credited to the NIE degree programme subject to the conditions of the degree programme.

For enquiry on course administration, please e-mail: [email protected].

This 6-months programme comprises of two 3-month* periods and a 5-week Teaching Practice stint. The 5-week Teaching Practice consists of two formal observations.

*Note: Each of the 3-month course duration will commence in Jan and end in Mar of the calendar year.

NIE adopts the Academic Unit System, i.e., academic units are used to measure academic workload per semester and per academic year. The following academic units are required over the course duration:

Academic Studies

IPE3101 -Introduction to Physical Education & Sport

This course emphasizes concepts related to the broad field of physical education and sport. It provides an overview of the disciplines that study the field's philosophical, historical, cultural, and sociological foundations and their applications to professional practice.

The course examines Singapore’s PE and Sports infrastructure and their relationships in promoting participation in sports from recreational to high performance levels. The daily work in physical education and sport, looking at the traditional field of teaching and coaching, is also highlighted. Current issues and future directions in the field are also explored and discussed.

IPE3102 - Growth & Motor Development

This purpose of this course is to study physical growth and motor development, with particular emphasis during the growing years. Factors influencing physical growth and motor development, age-related changes, individual, gender-related and maturity-associated variations in growth and development and variations during pubertal growth period will be discussed. Modelling the principles and the processes underlying growth and motor development through physical activities in teaching physical education will also be discussed.

IPE3103 - Anatomical & Biomechanical Foundations of Physical Activity

This course enables students to relate human anatomy to physical activities and to apply the principles of biomechanics to the teaching physical skills.

Structural anatomy deals with the knowledge and an understanding of the bones, joints and muscle structure that produces movement. Biomechanics is the study of a biological system by means of mechanics.

This course introduces the basic mechanical concepts and principles that govern human movement. At the end of the course, students will be expected to perform basic qualitative analysis of physical activities using basic concepts of mechanics and anatomy. This course would also provide a brief introduction to quantitative analysis of physical activities.

IPE3104 - Foundations of Psychology & Motor Learning in Physical Activity

This is an introductory course on sport and exercise psychology as well as motor learning. Specifically, the course will focus on topics and issues related to the social psychological variables that influence participation in physical activities, the environments in which sport and exercise participants operate, and selected outcomes of such participation. This course also introduces students to some of the theories and practices associated with skill acquisition. The focus is specifically on how the individual develops, learns and performs motor skills. Students will be introduced to these major concepts through a series of lectures, readings, and laboratory exercises.

IPE3105 - Physiology of Exercise

The purpose of this course is to equip student teachers in PE with an understanding of fundamental human and exercise physiology so as to enable them to design safe and effective lessons or training for 1) students during PE lessons and 2) student athletes gearing for sports performance.

A lecture and laboratory based foundation course in exercise physiology for student teachers in Physical Education (PE). The principal areas covered include the energy metabolism for exercise, aerobic performance and anaerobic performance, sex and age-associated differences in exercise performances and thermoregulation in the heat. The associated teaching implications will be brought to the fore. In addition, aspects of functional anatomy dealing with the various systems of the body and the part each plays in physical performance, health and fitness will be discussed in this course.

Curriculum Studies

IPE3106 - Principles of Games

This course is designed to introduce student teachers to the concepts, theories and principles underpinning the teaching of games and to develop their pedagogical understanding in a broad spectrum of games.

They will also acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of target*, invasion, net/barrier and striking/fielding games suitable for use in primary schools. Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/ strategies/ approaches/models that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of the game.

These approaches include Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU), Play Practice, the Games Concept Approach (GCA) and the Sport Education Model (SEP). Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, tactics and their development in the game, various game-specific assessment tools of skills and game performance as well as the use of information technology (ICT) will also be introduced.

* Target games will be prioritised.

IPE3107 - Fundamental Movement Skills

This course provides student-teachers with an understanding of the concepts, principles and practices of teaching fundamental movement skills in primary school.

It provides an overview of the role of fundamental movement within the Singapore’s school physical education curriculum, focusing on developing fundamental movement skill proficiencies at the lower primary, application in modified games in the upper primary, and relationship to the variety of specialised sports skills at the secondary levels.  Specifically, this course will address the various manipulative, locomotor and nonlocomotor skills applied within a movement framework that helps define the qualitative and quantitative aspects of human movement effort.

Student-teachers will have the opportunity to develop their own movement proficiency, learn to design developmentally appropriate lesson plans that incorporate the relevant teaching approaches with appropriate equipment to facilitate progressions in the learning process. Student-teachers will also learn to employ appropriate formative and summative assessment tools in order to optimise pupils’ participation and learning.

IPE3108 - Instructional Methods in Physical Education

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop foundation skills of planning, teaching and evaluating school physical education in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to content selection, organisation, instructional methods, direct teaching styles, task presentation, task, time and student management systems, observation of student performance, as well as feedback provision.  Course format will include lectures, discussions, practical experiences, and microteaching.

IPE3109 - Badminton

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop their techniques, skills and game performance in badminton and acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of badminton in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/strategies/approaches/models that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of the game.

Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, tactics and their development in the game, various game-specific assessment tools of skills and game performance as well as the use of information technology (IT) will also be introduced.

IPE3110 - Basketball

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop their techniques, skills and game performance in Basketball and acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of Basketball in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/strategies/approaches/models that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of the game. These approaches include Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU), Play Practice, Games Concept Approach (GCA) and Sport Education Model (SEP).

Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, tactics and their development in the game, various game-specific assessment tools of skills and game performance as well as the use of information technology (IT) will also be introduced.

IPE3111 - Track & Field

This course is designed to impart the necessary skills and knowledge to pre-service teachers to teach Athletics (track and field events) to youths in a primary school setting.

Student teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching approaches such as Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU), Games Concept Approach (GCA), and Sport Education Model (SEP). Relevant sport science knowledge, assessment tools, and the use of information technology will be incorporated.

IPE3112 - Volleyball

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop their techniques, skills and game performance in Volleyball and acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of Volleyball in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/strategies/approaches/models that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of the game. These approaches include Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU), Play Practice, Games Concept Approach (GCA) and Sport Education Model (SEP).

Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, tactics and their development in the game, various game-specific assessment tools of skills and game performance as well as the use of information technology (IT) will also be introduced.

IPE3113 - Instructional Strategies in Teaching of Physical Education

This course, second in a series, builds on foundation pedagogical knowledge and skills appropriate for primary school students.

It develops competence in a variety of teaching styles evolving from Mosston and Ashworth’s spectrum including inquiry, problem solving, group work and peer-teaching. A concept approach to teaching games is emphasized. The focus is on planning, teaching and evaluating situationally relevant lessons.

Student teachers will be encouraged to refine their own teaching through systematic observation. Instructional strategies will include lectures, seminars, peer- and/or micro-teaching and assignments.

IPE3114 - Curriculum Gymnastics

This course will introduce curriculum gymnastics through a developmental approach that allows the participants to explore movement themes largely on floor activities, gradually progressing from simple to complex apparatus designs. More advanced floor and apparatus skills will be taught with a focus on progression as well as safety.

Emphasis will be on the cognitive and affective development of the participants through appropriate pedagogical styles of teaching suitable for primary schools.  It is anticipated that participants will complete the course with a heightened level of confidence and personal conviction for teaching gymnastics in a progressive, creative and safe manner.

IPE3115 - Dance

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop their techniques, skills and performance in dance and acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of dance in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/strategies/approaches that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of dance. These approaches include teaching methods (problem-solving, facilitation, command style, reciprocal) and resource for the planning and instruction of folk dances and creative dance. It also aims to give student-teachers a chance to discover the creative juice in them and draw on the elements of dance to create their own dances.

Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, and their development in dance, various dance-specific assessment as well as the use of information technology (IT) will also be introduced.

IPE3116 - Fitness & Health

This course is designed to help student-teachers acquire knowledge and skills in health, wellness and fitness so as to promote and develop a lifelong physically active and healthy lifestyle in their pupils.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate activities to develop various components of fitness and design safe and effective exercise programmes for their pupils.

IPE3117 - Floorball

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop their techniques, skills and game performance in floorball and acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of foorball in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/strategies/approaches/models that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of the game. These approaches include Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU), Play Practice, Games Concept Approach (GCA) and Sport Education Model (SEP).

Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, tactics and their development in the game, various game-specific assessment tools of skills and game performance as well as the use of information technology (IT) will also be introduced.

IPE3118 - Soccer

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop their techniques, skills and game performance in soccer and acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of soccer in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/strategies/approaches/models that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of the game. These approaches include Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU), Play Practice, Games Concept Approach (GCA) and Sport Education Model (SEP).

Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, tactics and their development in the game, various game-specific assessment tools of skills and game performance as well as the use of information technology (IT) will also be introduced.

IPE3119 - Softball

This course is designed to provide student-teachers with the opportunity to develop their techniques, skills and game performance in Softball and acquire lesson ideas, content development/progressions and teaching strategies for the teaching of Softball in primary schools.

Student-teachers will be introduced to developmentally appropriate teaching styles/strategies/approaches/models that develop their pupils into confident and active participants of the game. These approaches include Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU), Play Practice, Games Concept Approach (GCA) and Sport Education Model (SEP).

Relevant Sports Science knowledge behind effective techniques, skills, tactics and their development in the game, various game-specific assessment tools of skills and game performance as well as the use of information technology (IT) will also be introduced.

IPE3120 - Theory and Practice in Outdoor Education (Primary)

This course examines key philosophical underpinnings, trends and issues related to outdoor education. It allows student teachers to reflect on the varied pedagogical approaches to outdoor learning and their impact on learning outcomes. Student teachers will gain an understanding of the strands and learning outcomes of outdoor education in the Primary PE curriculum. Besides discussions, student teachers will also be equipped with basic outdoor skills through practical sessions. The course will culminate in a 5-day overnight outdoor experience where student teachers will be able to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills.

IPE3121 - Sports Injury Prevention and Management in PE and Youth Sport

This course is designed to provide the primary-track in-service physical education student teachers with the fundamental knowledge and skills to understand the growth-related biological aspects, risk factors, causes and mechanisms of youth sports injuries with specific emphasis on physical education settings in schools. The course will also include the principles and strategies of prevention and management of injuries in PE and youth sport.

Teaching Practice

IPE3021 - Teaching Practice

TP is the last component of the programme. There will be two formal observations of teaching of physical education classes in the student teachers' schools during the 5-week period. The purpose of the teaching practice is to provide student teachers with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills introduced in the Academic Subjects and Curriculum Studies modules and attempt to integrate theory and practice.