GCSE
GCSE Physical Education
This course builds on the student's experience from Key Stage 3 to enhance their knowledge and increase their understanding of the factors that affect performance and participation in physical education. This qualification looks to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for further education.
The course offers students the opportunity to experience and develop an interest in a variety of roles in sport such as performer, official and/or leader/coach at GCSE level
The content of the course will address current contemporary topics in sport such as the need for a healthy diet and the reasons for holding international sporting events and the issues that arise from holding such events.
What career paths would this course lead to?
Physical Education is an excellent addition to the student's UCAS application if it is pursued from GCSE to A-Level and is an asset to those wishing to pursue careers in recreation or sports management, leisure, sports psychology, physiotherapy, teaching, coaching and sports science.
Key Skills
GCSE Physical Education provides an opportunity to acquire Key Skills in Application of Number, Communication,
Information and Communication Technology, Working With Others, Problem Solving and Improving Own Learning and Performance.
What extra opportunities are available?
Opportunities exist for students to be involved in some or all of the following activities:- Community Sports Leadership Award, Sports Teams such as Football, Rugby, Badminton and a host of extra-curricular club and recreational activities.
What will the GCSE course cover?
The GCSE course will allow candidates to develop an understanding of the physiological, sociological and psychological aspects that play a part in sport and physical education.
They will develop this understanding through a variety of theory and practical sessions.
The Theory Component
Written examination:
1 hour 30 minute paper 80 marks
40% of Overall Grade
The Participant as an Individual
Topics Covered; Age, Disability, Gender and Physique, Environments, Risk and Challenge, Activity Levels and Needs, Training
Physical and Mental Demands of Performance
Topics Covered; Fatigue, Stress, Injury-Causes and Precautions, The Respiratory System-Aerobic and Anaerobic, The Circulatory System and The Cardiovascular System
Fitness and Training
Topics Covered; Fitness- General and Skill related, Principles of Training- Specificity, Progression, Overload, Reversibility, Aspect of Training, Training Methods
Body Systems, Diet and Healthy Lifestyles
Topics Covered; The Structure and Roles of both the Skeletal and Muscular Systems, Maintaining a Balanced Diet, Specific Diets and Health & Healthy Active Lifestyle.
School, PE and Opportunities for Involvement
Topics Covered; National Curriculum Requirements, PESSCL, PESSYP, National Healthy Schools Programme, Extra Curricular Provision and Further Qualifications, Vocational Opportunities and Further Qualifications.
Leisure, Recreation, Culture and Society
Topics covered; Leisure, Recreation, Social Aspects and Social Groupings
International and Social Factors
Topics Covered; International Sporting Events, The Olympic Games, Competitions, Media, Sponsorship, Role Models, Health and Safety, Equipment Rules and Science, and ICT in Sport.
The Practical Component
Practical Performance:
60% of Overall Grade
A continuous assessment will take place over the two years throughout a variety of activities. A finalised assessment requires each pupil to undertake 4 roles, at least 2 as a performer. They can also take on roles of officiating and coaching.
Candidates will understand, learn and apply the rules, conventions and regulations of the activities they take part in.
Pupils will analyse and improve the performance of themselves and others.
Pupils will develop leadership roles as coaches, officials and performers.
Personal performance will be assessed as to how specific skills are applied in a game situation, routine, race or composition.
Pupils will produce a piece of coursework on their ability to plan, undertake and evaluate a safe, health promoting schedule.
