PE

Curriculum Information

GCSE PE (CCEA)

This course into three components:

• Component 1: Developing knowledge, understanding and skills for balanced, healthy lifestyles and participation in physical activities;
• Component 2: Developing and maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle;
• Component 3: Individual performance in physical activities.

Students study the following:

• Concepts of health, physical fitness and skilled performance;
• Key influences that impact on balanced, healthy lifestyles and participation in physical activities;
• The impact of exercise and training on balanced, healthy lifestyles and physical fitness;
• Types of exercise and methods of training;
• Principles for developing physical well-being and physical fitness;
• Assessing and monitoring the development of physical health/well-being and peak physical performance;
• The effects of exercise, training and physical activity on the body;
• Health and safety issues;
• Exercise and training sessions;
• Exercise and training programmes.

For more information, see the specification.

AS / A2 PE

A Level Physical Education (WJEC syllabus) combines theory and practice and involves 9 x 30 minute classes per week. Classes will be co-educational. There is a substantial theoretical component to this course, a great deal more than is required for GCSE PE, and at a higher level. Students attracted to this subject because of its practical nature need to be aware of this aspect of the work. The main focus is the performer and performance and the multi-disciplinary character of the course should ensure that most students find at least part of the syllabus of interest. Develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance

• Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance
• Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity and sport
• Understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport
• Refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
• Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance
• Understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness
• Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.

SUBJECT CONTENT

The WJEC AS and A level in Physical Education provide a coherent combination of four areas of study:

1. Exercise physiology, performance analysis and training
2. Sport psychology
3. Skill acquisition
4. Sport and society

Any of the areas of study can be assessed in any of the units. The content can be assessed in units 1 and 3 as part of the written examinations and in units 2 and 4 as part of the analysis and evaluation of performance. The specification enables learners to understand the interrelationships between the areas of study and apply them in a variety of contexts.

Quantitative
AS Unit 1 – Exploring Physical Education. Written examination: 1¾ hours, 24% of A level qualification (60% of AS qualification) , 72 marks, to assess all AS subject content.

AS Unit 2, Improving Personal Performance in Physical Education. Non-exam assessment, 16% of A level qualification (40% of AS qualification) ,48 marks. To assess:

• Practical performance in one activity as a player/performer and as a coach or official
• Personal Performance Profile

Practical Performance as a Player/Performer
Learners must demonstrate and apply the relevant skills and techniques for the sport/activity. All activities should be played under competitive/formal conditions.

A level Unit 3 – Evaluating Physical Education. Written examination: 2 hours, 36% of qualification, 90 marks. To assess all A level subject content

A Level Unit 4 – Refining personal performance in physical education. Non-exam assessment , 24% of qualification, 60 marks. To assess:

• practical performance in one activity as a player/performer, coach or official
• Investigative Research

Practical Performance as Player/Performer
Learners must demonstrate and apply the relevant skills and techniques required for the sport/activity. All activities should be played under competitive/formal conditions

Investigative Research
The research should help the learner to improve personal performance as a player/performer, coach or official. It must be linked to the chosen practical activity and contain research into appropriate theoretical subject content. It must provide opportunities for candidates to demonstrate quantitative skills.

WHAT IS EXPECTED ?
Homework will involve reading and preparation for theory classes. Students may also need to do some practical work (including fitness work) outside of time-tabled classes. This will require a high level of commitment and self-discipline.

CAREERS
A Level Physical Education provides an academically challenging and vocationally relevant course for those who are considering careers related to sport and leisure in business, industry, community services, public administration and education. It also provides a good base for those seeking to eventually become qualified physical education teachers and for others hoping to embark on careers in leisure management, sports administration, and health and fitness consultancy and community recreation.

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