PE & Sport

From September 2020 we have decided to introduce the Cambridge Nationals Level 2 Sports Course, which is the equivalent of GCSE. This will run in addition to the GCSE PE course, however is not available as an additional option. The decision to run the Cambridge Nationals has been made in order to maximise the success for our students in sports. This will be done by increasing the chances of students achieving their target grades, as well as delivering the course content in a more appropriate way for some of our students.

During option choices, students will be able to select Sport as an option, however it will be the discretion of the PE department as to which course your child will study (Cambridge Nationals or GCSE PE). Staff will use their professional judgement to outline which course will be most suitable to your child, in order for them to have the most success in PE in year 10 and 11.

Below outlines what each course entails to give you an idea as to whether Sport is the correct choice for your child, but please bear in mind that which course your child studies will not be an option.

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GCSE PE

Course Content

This option is largely concerned with the theory of sport and although students are assessed as practical performers, 4 out of 5 lessons over the two week timetable will be classroom based. Students can expect to study the following topics:

Applied anatomy and physiology
Movement analysis
Physical training
Sports psychology
Socio-cultural influences
Health, fitness and well-being

Assessment & Qualification

Students are assessed as a practical performer within 3 different sports and are required to evaluate a performer within a chosen sport. Two of the sports will be as a team and individual performer, with the third being a choice of either team/ individual performer made by the students themselves depending on their strengths/abilities in certain sports. In addition pupils will have to complete a piece of written coursework based on a performance in one of their assessed sports. These practical and coursework components are worth 40% of the overall grade and is externally moderated by the exam board. The written exam paper is worth 60% of the overall grade.

Learning Styles

Problem Solving; Thinking skills; Independent work; Discussion work; Working through practical involvement; Practical sport.

Career / Progression

The sports industry is a rapidly growing sector and the range of jobs available increases each year. GCSE PE students will follow a range of topics that will provide an insight into the sport industry and the world of sports science. In year 12, students can go on to study A level PE or Cambridge Technicals in sport. There are also a few apprenticeships available locally in the leisure and fitness sector.

In order to study GCSE PE we strongly recommend you participate in a minimum of one sport outside of school and are confident to perform in at least 3 different sports. This will allow you to achieve a higher grade in the practical aspect of the course, which accounts for 40%. We also recommend that you have a strong interest in Science, Psychology and Socio-Cultural studies. Sport and Exercise is nationally recognised as a Scientific subject, therefore a keen interest in this is required.

Possible jobs that could lead on from studying PE are: Lifeguard, leisure assistant, PE technician, fitness instructor, sports coach and sport referee.

Transferable skills are: Verbal, visual and manual communication, working as part of a team, working independently, giving presentations and preparing reports.

Cambridge Nationals Sport Science

Course Content

Cambridge Nationals Sport Science is a vocational qualification which develops practical skills and knowledge related to the sports industry. This course is designed to help students learn in a practical way. It provides baseline skills needed to start a job or go on to higher levels of education.

Students can expect to study the following topics:

R180: Reducing the risk of sports injuries and dealing with common medical conditions (Mandatory unit)

R181: Applying the principles of training: fitness and how it affects skill performance (Mandatory unit)

R183: Nutrition and sports performance (Selected optional unit)

Assessment & Qualification

As this is a vocational qualification it will include classroom-based and practical activities and is assessed by one written exam and several pieces of coursework. Reducing the risk of sports injuries and dealing with common medical conditions is assessed via an exam at the end of Year 11. The other units are assessed via coursework that will be completed in lesson time. This will be graded by the teacher, internally moderated in school and then moderated by the exam board. Both of the mandatory units are weighted at 40% with the other unit making up the final 20% of the grade received.

Learning Styles

Problem Solving; Thinking skills; Independent work; Discussion work; Working through practical involvement; Practical sport.

Why Cambridge National?

Why would my child do a Cambridge National rather than a GCSE? Cambridge Nationals are designed to allow students the freedom to explore more deeply the things that interest them. The teaching of the qualification will normally be through practical work, learning skills and how to do things that may be relevant to the world of work. 60% of the qualification is assessed by coursework set and marked by your child’s teacher. This will be done throughout the duration of their two year course. So if your child likes project work, enjoys research and doing practical things they may find a Cambridge National a better option than a GCSE.

To ensure the qualification is robust and as stretching as a GCSE, every Cambridge National has an exam. This exam is sat at the end of the two year course.

Career / Progression

The sports industry is a rapidly growing sector and the range of jobs available increases each year. Cambridge National students will receive experience in a range of areas linked to the sport and leisure industry. In year 12, students can go on to study Cambridge Technicals or A Level PE. There are also apprenticeships available across the North East in this sector.

Possible jobs that could lead on from studying PE are: Lifeguard, leisure assistant, PE technician, fitness instructor, sports coach and sport referee.

Transferable skills are: Verbal, visual and manual communication, working as part of a team, working independently, giving presentations and preparing reports.

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