GCSE Physical Education

Course Description

This course is divided into two sections:

Practical Performance

Theoretical Examination

Within the practical component, students choose four sports from a wide range of activities. They are assessed on their performance ability in each area and these marks are put forward to their final grade. The practical assessment is worth 60% of the final mark.

Due to the course comprising of 60% practical assessment students are expected to participate in at least 3 extra-curricular sporting activities across the two year course in order to ensure they meet the standard required for an acceptable practical mark and consequent GCSE grade.

Within the theory component students will study the benefits of a healthy balanced lifestyle including:

• Factors affecting performance e.g. skill, fitness, drugs and training methods etc.
• Health issues – circulatory and respiratory systems.
• Safety and training e.g. diet, safe practice, injury and training methods.
• Reasons for participation in sport e.g. leisure, media, social aspects, amateur and professionalism.

The theory component is worth the remaining 40% of the final grade.

Things you need to know:

With the practical coursework being such a key element of the course, students must show a good ability in a range of sports as well as being fully committed to extra curricular school activities.

The theoretical aspect of the subject requires a keen interest in the subject as extra reading and research tasks are set on a regular basis. Due to the scientific base of the theoretical component, it is important to remember that it is not just a test of sports trivia!!

Methods of Assessment:

60% Practical coursework – 15% each, in four different activities. This is continual assessment over a period of two years.

40% Final theoretical paper at one ability level.

Career Opportunities:

The examination is a fully recognised GCSE subject.

See PE or Careers teachers for more details.

What next?:

If you are unsure about your suitability for the course, or you would like to find out more about the subject, please ask your PE teacher for more details.

BTEC Sport

The Qualification

Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport

The Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport is a 30-credit and 180-guided-learning-hour qualification that consists of one 5-credit mandatory unit plus one 10-credit mandatory specialist unit.

The additional 15 credits are acquired through a further two optional units.

Why Study BTEC Sport?

• It provides an exciting and engaging programme of study for those who are clear about studying and/ or entering employment into a growing sector of the economy.
• Provides students the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, techniques, personal traits and attitudes that are attractive to employers in all areas.
• Provides students with the knowledge, expertise and confidence to continue studying Sport at BTEC level 3.
• Provides an alternative pathway for University entrance for a specific type of course, which is more suitable for some students than old-style “A-Levels”
• For some students it will provide a valuable and Nationally recognised qualification to help secure employment within the Sport & Leisure Industry.

Course Content:

This two year course consists of four units. All units must be completed successfully at grade Pass or above. Subjects (units) studied are:

Aim of the Course

To provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to improve their understanding of many sports related subjects. They will be able to practically apply what they learn, thus improving their sporting and exercise knowledge. It is an excellent course which can create the foundations for those wishing to continue their sports education by studying higher level courses.
Alongside this programme students will also study for the Central YMCA Qualifications Assistant Fitness Instructor Certificate and a basic First Aid qualification.

Who is the Course for?

Ideal for students with a keen interest in sport, health, exercise and / or fitness who wish to progress to a career in the Sports and Fitness industries, where the following methods of delivery and assessment appeal:

• A practical approach to studying theoretical aspects of sports/ exercise.
• Wide range of teaching styles is used.
• Off-site educational visits.
• Audio/visual/written/power-point presenataions are all accepted forms of evidence to achieve the Learning Outcomes of the course.
• Those students who need and gain confidence from the benefit of continual assessment.
• Those students who benefit from the chance to amend and re-submit before final assessment.

Assessment

Each unit will have up to six assignments that are assessed using standardised grading criteria, leading to an overall unit grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction. Each assignment will have a hand out and hand in date set at the start of the year.

If pupil’s achieve an overall pass for the course at the end of the two year cycle, they will have acquired an equivalent to two GCSE grades at C or above. The details of the grading equivalents are given in the table below:

After the Course

You will be able to continue your sports education by studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport. These are equivalent to 3 GCE A Levels and will provide a Pathway to Higher Education.