Physical Education GCSE and BTEC Sport

Head of Department: Mr M Wilce

Lead teacher of GCSE: Mr M Wilce, Lead teacher of BTEC: Miss A Cotton

What is Physical Education?

GCSE PE and BTEC Sport look at both the practical and theoretical elements of PE. The subject looks at the theoretical concepts behind training, fitness and participating.  Students will study anatomy and physiology, the effects of training on the body and diet and nutrition as well as practically developing their skills and understanding in a variety of practical sports.

What skills will I develop?

• Knowledge and practical skills in a range of physical activities
• Knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts in sport and PE
• Ability to write and perform a training programme to improve fitness levels
• Be able to identify ways to develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through participation in physical activity
• Observe and analyse sporting performances and suggest ways to improve
• Leadership and officiating skills

What syllabus will I follow?

OCR GCSE in PE J587

Edexcel BTEC Tech Award in Sport

What will the course look like?

There will be a mixture of theory and practical lessons for both GCSE and BTEC.  The theory content is vast for GCSE so there will be a higher ratio of theory lessons.

GCSE consists of 3 components:

• Physical factors affecting performance (theoretical)
• Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology (theoretical)
• Performance in physical education (practical)

BTEC is taught across 3 components:

• Component 1: Preparing participants to take part in sport and physical activity
• Component 2: Taking part and improving other participants sporting performance
• Component 3:  Developing fitness to improve other participants performance in sport and physical activity

What homework will I get?

In GCSE PE you will get homework each week which should last an hour.  This could just be one piece of homework but could also be two tasks (one from practical lessons and one from theory lessons).

BTEC Sport will have a series of ongoing assignments which may require work to be completed at home.

How will I be assessed?

GCSE:

60% is theory based, externally assessed through 2 written exams.

Each paper is 1 hour long and has a 30% weighting.

40% is practically based and assessed through a piece of coursework which analyses and evaluates practical performance and a practical assessment in three sports, one which must be a team game and one an individual sport.

BTEC:

60% of the course is internally assessed through coursework activities such as:

• Written reports and assignments
• Presentations
• Practical sports performance (in 1 sport)
• Sports leadership tasks and coaching sessions

40% of the course is assessed through 1 hour and 30 minute exam, taken at the end of Year 11.  This is a written exam focusing on fitness testing, training methods and training principles.  

What jobs or further courses of study might this lead to?

The next steps for students could be either:

• Further academic courses at sixth form centres (BTEC or A Level)
• National Diploma Courses at Comberton Sixth Form, Cambridge Regional College or Long Road Sixth Form College
• Employment in the fitness industry or coaching sector
• Degrees in teaching or sports science
• Physiotherapy, sports medicine or sports psychology

Are there any entry requirements for this course?

Students must have a strong interest in PE and sport.  They should be playing sport regularly outside of school and represent the school on a regular basis.

Both courses are equivalent to one GCSE grade.  Students will opt for ‘Physical Education’. The PE department will then select the most appropriate course for them. To assist this process a pupil’s PE, science and English level will be taken into account. 

 Level 8 and above in the ‘practical performance’ and ‘participation and attitude’ strands of the Cam Academy Trust at PE levels and a strong level in one of the other subjects listed above is desirable and would make access to the subject content easier, however students with a keen interest in the subject will be considered.

If I need additional support, what can I access?

There is an after-school catch up session each week for each course, where help can be given with revision, coursework and assignments.  Homework can also be done at these sessions.  We have revision guides and textbooks that are recommended for purchase when students start the course.

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