GymSTART workshops with the PDST (Professional Development Services for Teachers)

This week, Gymnastics Ireland Participation Manager (Aimi Baker) ran two bespoke/ specifically designed  GymSTART upskilling workshops for all the associate members of the PDST (Professional Development Services for Teachers).  The PDST is now the country’s largest single support service offering professional learning opportunities to teachers and school leaders in a range of pedagogical, curricular and educational areas country.
 
In total there were 60+ associate members attending over the two days, coming from every corner of Ireland. The associates members run workshops for the PDST  on multiple subjects, including Gymnastics, in every education centre in the country. As well as the associates, a number of PDST health and wellbeing staff also took part.
 
On Tuesday the content focused on Primary School gymnastics covering all the fundamental movement skills of gymnastics, and on Wednesday the focus moved to Post Primary gymnastics with the bases concentrating on gymnastic specific skills, including vaulting and advanced balancing/ acrobatic skills.  
 
“The feedback from the associates was really positive. This was evident in the evaluations in most ticking excellent across the board with accompanying kind words of appraisal”.  Ivan O’Mahony PDST Health and Wellbeing team member
      
“Both groups were lively and energetic which led to a really enjoyable and constructive workshop on both days.
Working with the PDST is another step in the development of our schools program, and driving participation in gymnastics within the education sector. We have plans to continue this work with the PDST into 2017 and beyond ”. Aimi Baker
 
The PDST have created this highlight video of the two days.