GCSE Physical Education (AQA)

GCSE PE is an extension of the core programme and is suitable for good performers in PE or anyone with a keen interest in Physical Education and Sport. It is a practical course and full involvement and participation is a must.

Students will follow a varied programme that covers a full range of activities. There is an expectation that students will participate in all of the sporting activities that are offered and become / remain involved in sport outside of lessons. Students should be willing to participate in extra-curricular opportunities that are available to them and represent the school in sporting fixtures and compete regularly to a high level outside of school.

Assessment
Written Examinations:
Students will also be externally assessed in two written examinations weighting 60% of their final grade. The examinations will be assessed in May/June and include multiple-choice, short answer and long answer questions. They measure the students’ understanding of fitness and the body systems and their relationships with health and performance.

Theoretical aspects that are studied include the following:

• Applied anatomy, physiology and movement analysis
• Physical training and use of data
• Health, fitness and well-being
• Sport psychology and socio-cultural influences

Practical
Their work includes assessment of three practical activities in the role of a performer and also includes an analysis and evaluation of their highest performance (40%). One assessment must be in a team sport/activity, one assessment must be in an individual sport/activity and a third can be from either a team or an individual sport/activity.

Extended learning
Some practical activities will have to take place outside of the school curriculum due to facilities and logistics. For activities assessed outside of the centre video evidence is required and students are expected to take responsibility for this with the support and guidance of their subject teacher. Students will be expected to commit themselves to school sport as well as in the community. Homework will be set based on the theory of participation and performances.

Other information
There may be the opportunity for students to attend an activity week at an outdoor centre (TBC) which provides an opportunity for them to access alternative sporting activities and assist in raising practical attainment/assessments. This is yet to be confirmed, but could take place at the end of year 10 and cost approximately £300. Alternatively, there may be some non-residential, off site activities offered more locally. Further details will follow.

 

Sport Studies (OCR)

Content
This vocational qualification is suitable for students across the ability range. It suits those students who are successful with coursework as the focus of many of the units is on producing portfolios for assessment. There is, however, one compulsory examined unit on this course.
Sport takes up one option and can be taken alongside PE GCSE, with students being actively encouraged to carry out independent research.

Sport is a high-profile and expanding industry and, as such, there is a growing need for qualified professionals and capable volunteers. This can be anything from sport scientists assessing how nutrition, environment and training programmes can optimise performance, through to a sports coach having to develop the skills, tactics and strategies of a team or an individual.
The importance of regular participation and involvement in sport and physical activity is widely recognised and increasingly reflected in government education and health policies, which aim to encourage exercise and proper nutrition and underline the benefits to society of an active and healthy population.

Cambridge Nationals in Sport offer students the solid foundation required for further progression in to the industry. This qualification prepares students for employment in job roles where they will be involved in elements of delivering sports opportunities to the public. It is also suitable for those wishing to progress to further study in sport or PE. The course accredits students’ abilities to carry out a range of tasks and has been designed to accredit their achievements in a modern and practical way that is relevant to the workplace.

The aims of the course are to:

• develop students’ knowledge and understanding of sport;
• develop students’ skills in contexts that are directly relevant to employment situations, thereby enhancing their employability within the sports sector;
• develop students’ ability to work effectively in a sports context;
• encourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that students will need to access further education opportunities or work-based training;
• promote interaction between employers, centres and students by relating teaching and assessment to real settings.

Assessment
Students will complete 4 units of work in order to qualify for the award:

• Unit 1 – Contemporary Issues in Sport (Exam)
• Unit 2 – Developing Sport Skills (coursework)
• And two of:
• Unit 3 – Sports Leadership
• (coursework)
• Unit 4 – Sport and the Media
• (coursework)
• Unit 5 – Working in the Sports
• Industry (coursework)
• Unit 6 – Outdoor Activities (coursework at an outdoor activity centre)

The weighting for each unit is equal and contributes 25% to the overall qualification. Points given
for each assignment will determine whether students gain a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification.
Units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction for Level 1. Level 2 students have the same grades, but with a new grading of Distinction* to allow aspirational students to achieve more.

Extended learning

Homework will be set regularly contributing to their coursework. The course is very demanding on students’ time and they will be expected to work hard from the start, manage their time effectively and complete tasks on time.

Other information
There may also be an opportunity to gain extra qualifications while following this course such as a Basic First Aid Certificate, Coaching Awards or Officiating Awards. There may be a small cost
involved but it will give the students greater employability and help them with their assignments.
However, they are not a compulsory part of the course and it will not affect their overall grade if
students choose not to take them. A visit to an outdoor activity Centre is an optional extra unit
(Unit 6). This excellent opportunity to gain an extra grade will allow students to pick their best grades overall and achieve a better final grade for their Sport qualification. Students will experience a range of outdoor activities in order to meet the requirements for one whole unit and all activities are geared towards helping them pass the unit. They participate in practical activities during the day and experience talks from visiting instructors in the evening.