Physical Education

Core PE

Regardless of their KS4 subject choices, students are entitled to one hour of core Physical Education a week, where they will participate in a variety of sports and activities. We hope to engage, motivate and educate students in the lifelong health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity.  Activities in include; Football, Basketball, Handball, Netball, Invasion games, Fitness, Yoga, Badminton, Swimming, Water aerobics, Climbing, Tennis, Athletics, volleyball, Rounders and Cricket.

GCSE Physical Education

Exam Board: AQA

GCSE PE allows you to further develop practical skills, whilst becoming more knowledgeable about the human body, the socio-cultural influences on and the longer-term benefits of regular participation in safe physical activity. It also improves your ability to analyse and appreciate human movement. The course places great emphasis on the value of healthy, active lifestyles, personal health and well-being. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to become better performers, leaders and officials. You will also be required to plan, monitor and evaluate a Personal Exercise Programme. The course best suits those with a serious interest in the wider aspects of the subject, who want to develop a greater appreciation of the role of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. 

 Assessment
 
Unit 1 -Applied anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training and use of data.   This is 30% of the GCSE and is assessed in a written exam of 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Unit 2- Sport psychology, socio–cultural influences, health, fitness and well-being and use of data. This is 30% of the GCSE and is assessed in a written exam of 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Unit 3- Non Exam assessment (NEA)

Practical performances in 3 different physical activities in the role of player/performer (one a team activity, one an individual activity and a third in either a team or an individual activity). Plus a written analysis and evaluation of a performance. This is 40% of the GCSE

BTEC First Award in Sport

Exam board: Pearson

The BTEC First Award in Sport combines practical sports activity with academic study. Students develop their knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context.  The BTEC First qualification is assessed through a combination of internal and external assessment.

Topics include:

• Unit 1: Fitness for Sport and Exercise  (External Exam)
• Unit 2: Practical Performance in Sport. (Internal assessment)
• Unit 3: Applying the Principles of Personal Training. (Internal synoptic assessment)
• Unit 6: Leading Sports Activities. (Internal assessment)

Why study Physical Education?

KS4 Physical Education courses allows progression to A level Physical Education or one of our level 3 vocational qualifications in sport.  Both the GCSE and BTEC courses develop transferable, key skills that employers are looking for such as teamwork, adaptability, time management, resilience and independence. Studying Physical Education offers further opportunities in areas such as recreational management, leisure activities, coaching, officiating, the fitness industry and the armed forces.

A Level Physical Education

Exam Board AQA

A Level Physical Education delivers a well-rounded and full introduction to the world of PE, sport and sports science, providing a strong base from which to move on to higher education, employment or further training. The emphasis throughout the course is on the development of knowledge, application of knowledge, competence and confidence in a wide variety of skills. You will learn how Physical Education affects and contributes to society and also how to apply your knowledge from this course to any number of different practical situations or career choices.

Although not necessary to have studied the subject at GCSE, this is strongly advised as previously acquired knowledge of examination PE will underpin learning at this level. There is also an increase in the amount of scientific study, together with the inclusion of data analysis requiring mathematical skills.

The A Level Specification content is divided into three components, which you can see below. Again, each component is further sub-divided into topic areas and the detailed content associated with those topics.

*Please note that you will be assessed on your practical ability to participate in a sport, demonstrating attacking, defending skills and tactical awareness so must be playing a sport on the AQA specification to club standard.

Skills that will be developed

A Level PE students develop the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical activity, and to apply this to a range of sporting contexts. Analytical and evaluative skills are developed through both written and oral responses.

Who do I contact for more information?

Mrs. N Wilkins (n.wilkins@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)

BTEC Nationals in Sport

Exam board: Pearson

We also offer the following BTEC qualifications in sport. They all combine practical sport activity with academic study. Students develop their knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context.  BTEC Nationals are assessed through a combination of internal and external assessment.

• BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sport is a two year programme, equivalent to 1 1/2 A levels and is studied for 9 lessons a cycle.
• BTEC National Diploma in Sport is a two year programme, equivalent to 2 A levels and is studied for 18 lessons a cycle.
•  BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport is a two-year, full-time programme. It has the same equivalency as 3 A levels and is studied for 27 lessons a cycle.

A survey conducted by Pearson (2018) has predicted that sport and fitness occupations are likely to be the third most ‘in demand’ occupation by 2030. Studying PE opens doors to a number of careers and life options. Sport, nutrition and health are huge topics of discussion today, and as the fight against obesity and sedentary lifestyle issues continues, the knowledge you gain from a course such as this will only grow in importance and relevance. Both A Level PE and a BTEC National in Sport will enable you to apply for higher education courses in sports science, sports management, healthcare, or exercise and health. They can also complement further study in subjects such as biology, human biology, physiotherapy physics, psychology, nutrition and sociology. Studying A Level PE or a BTEC National in Sport can open up a range of career opportunities including: sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, sports journalism, personal training or becoming one of the next generation of PE teachers. The transferable skills you learn, such as decision making and independent thinking, are useful in any career path you choose to take. Students considering Sports Science degrees should combine PE with at least one science subject.