Physical Education

This two year course will be of interest to pupils of a wide range of physical and academic ability. An interest in Physical Education and leading a healthy lifestyle is obviously a priority, personal sporting performance is also part of the course and hence the expectation is that you are active in a variety of sports. The course consists of five periods in every cycle, two of which are practical and three that cover the theoretical aspects. The course is a 40% practical, this is made up of three sports which you are assessed in, and a piece of coursework. 60% of the course is theoretical, and is assessed at the end of the course through two written exams.

The aims of the course are: • To develop an understanding of the different factors that affect participation and performance • in physical activity. To promote an understanding of the health • benefits of taking part in physical activity. To become increasingly effective in their performance in different types of physical • activity. To support personal and social development through working with others and taking on different roles in the sporting environment, such • as official, coach and participant. To help establish self-esteem through the development of physical confidence.

Two papers will be taken. The papers will be a mixture of short answer and extended answer questions.

This will cover: The structure and function of the skeletal system, structure and function of the muscular system, movement analysis, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, effects of exercise on body systems, components of fitness, applying the principles of training, preventing injury in physical activity and training.

This will cover: Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activities and sports, commercialisation of physical activity and sport, ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport, sports psychology, health, fitness and well-being.

40% of the course is coursework based. This includes being assessed in three different sports; one team sport, one individual sport and then another from either category. A piece of controlled assessment will be completed in the second year which is based around the evaluation of a performer.

The subject does cover a certain amount of Science, Psychology, History, ICT, Health and is, of course, an ideal base for Physical Education, Biology or Psychology in the Sixth Form. However, it sits well with any subjects.

Physical Education is becoming an increasingly popular subject as the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and the importance of lifelong activity are being recognised nationally.