| Key Stage | Qualification | Course Code | Exam Board |
| KS4 | GCSE | AQA Physical Education 8582 | AQA |
| KS4 | BTEC | BTEC Sport | Pearson |
| KS5 | A Level | AQA Physical Education 7582 | AQA |
Year 8 into 9
In Year 9 students will experience a combination of subject content from both GCSE Physical Education and BTEC Sport. This then allows students, parents and staff, to make an informed decision at the end of Year 9 about which route they can then pursue into years 10 and 11. Core practical PE lessons will continue alongside this for all students.
Course Content Year 9
- Components of fitness, skill related fitness, fitness testing, procedures and limitations
- Principles of training
- Training methods, calculating training thresholds
- Producing a personal training programme
- Skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular systems
- Motivation and skill
Several lessons will be delivered practically in order to deepen students understanding. Students will also be expected to produce a personal training programme which will illustrate their knowledge of the theory covered.
Years 10 & 11
BTEC Sport
The assessment modules are weighted at 25% each with a variety of methods of assessment. It is graded at Level 1 Pass, Level 2 Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*. The skills learnt in studying a BTEC First will aid progression to further study and prepare pupils to enter the workplace in due course. In the sport sector, typical employment opportunities may include working as a sport coach or as a fitness instructor. Due to the vocational nature of the course, students’ time management skills and motivation to succeed will be vital. There will be a regular requirement to complete coursework in their own time and ensure ALL deadlines are met.
This course is well suited to students who prefer to build up their end grade across the two years through regular assessments rather than synoptic exams. Some students will continue into sixth from to study BTEC Level 3.
GCSE PE
The course will be 60% Theory and 40% Practical Performance (non-examined assessment). At the end of year 11 students would sit 2 x 1 hour 15 minute exams each worth 30% of the GCSE. 30% will be based on student’s ability in the role of player/performer only and 10% will be a piece of coursework based on analysis and evaluation of performance. Students will be internally assessed and be subject to an external moderation process. Some students will continue into sixth from to study A Level Physical Education.
Students will be assessed as a player/performer in three different practical activities.
One team activity, one individual activity and a third from either a team or individual activity.
These must be chosen from a list provided by the exam board.
Written/verbal analysis and evaluation of performance.
Points to consider:
- You should have a genuine interest in sporting issues within the media
- You should be playing sport regularly both in and outside of school. Not only will this develop your practical ability but also your understanding of rules, tactics and strategy. Students who do not participate in clubs will struggle to access higher band marks.
Both routes allow progression onto sixth form A Level and BTEC courses.
Sixth Form (Physical Education)
Subject Outline and Progression
A Level Physical Education delivers a well-rounded and full introduction into the world of PE, sport and sports science, providing a strong base from which to move onto 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.
| Module | Assessment | ||
| Modules 1, 2 and 3 | Written exam, 2 hours 35% of A Level | ||
| Module 1: Applied Anatomy and physiology | |||
| Module 2: Skill acquisition | |||
| Module 3: Sport and society | |||
| Modules 4,5,6 and 7 | Written exam, 2 hours 35% of A Level | ||
| Module 4: Exercise physiology (Modules 4,5,6 and 7) | |||
| Module 5: Biomechanical movement | |||
| Module 6: Sport psychology | |||
| Module 7: Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport | |||
| Practical performance | Internal assessment 30% of A Level |
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.
Careers
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. A Level PE enables you to apply for higher education courses in sports science, sports management, healthcare or exercise and health. It can also compliment further study in subjects such as biology, human biology, physics, psychology, nutrition and sociology. A Level PE 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.
Sixth Form (Physical Education BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate)
| Unit | Assessment | ||
| Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology | Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes | ||
| Unit 2: Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being | Externally marked supervised case study exam | ||
| Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry | Internally marked coursework | ||
| Unit 4: Sports Leadership | Internally marked coursework |
