Physical Education

Physical Education Pathways 1 & 2

In Year 10 and Year 11 students will follow the BTEC First Certificate course.

What is a BTEC Certificate?

A BTEC First Certificate is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

A BTEC First Certificate is equivalent to one GCSEs grade A* - C. The course is made up of two mandatory units that you have to follow.

What are the two core units?

Fitness Testing and Training
Practical Sport

Fitness Testing and Training

In this unit you will explore the essential fitness requirements and training methods used to achieve successful sports performance.

This will include both lifestyle and psychological factors and the effects these can have on sports training and performance.

You will investigate your own personal fitness levels by participating in a series of fitness tests.

Practical Sport

This unit focuses on developing and improving the your own practical sports performance in one team and one individual sport.

You will develop your understanding of the rules, skills and techniques and what your strengths and weaknesses are in each sport and what you could do to improve further.

How is the course assessed?

All units are assessed, and graded as either a pass, merit or distinction. Then an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.

What can I do at the end of the course?

With further training or study, students go into careers in:

  • Sports Centres
  • Leisure Centres
  • Outdoor Activities Centres.

A BTEC First prepares you for employment and provides a good grounding to go on to a more advanced courses at college.

By following the Physical Education GCSE students will develop enterprise skills such as:

  • Teamwork
  • Can do attitude
  • Leadership
  • Initiative
  • Organising & Planning

Physical Education GCSE Pathway 1

The GCSE PE course has two different aspects. These are:

  • The Theoretical Aspect which makes up 40% of the overall mark, and
  • The Practical Aspect, which makes up 60% of the mark.

In the Theory Aspect students will be assessed by completing an exam in Year 11 which will be based around the following 4 areas:

  • The range of physical activities and the different roles that the participant can choose from.
  • Linking physical activity with diet, work and rest for personal health and a balanced healthy lifestyle.
  • Making informed decisions about getting involved in a lifetime of healthy physical activities that suit their needs.
  • International and other factors e.g. The media, sponsorship, ICT, health and safety.

In the Practical Aspect students will be assessed in a minimum of 2 different activities from the following:-

  • Outwitting Opponents (Games)
  • Accurate Replication (Gymnastics)
  • Exploring & Communicating Ideas (Dance)
  • Performing at Maximum levels (Athletics)
  • Identifying & Solving Problems to Overcome Challenges (Outdoor Adventurous Activities) and;
  • Exercising Safely & Effectively to Improve Health & Well-being.

Students will be assessed in four areas:

  • Developing skills in physical activity
  • Being creative and making decisions
  • Evaluating and improving performance
  • Adopting different roles in the game/ activity

Students who follow a GCSE in Physical Education will have the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as:

  • Team Work
  • Effective communication
  • ‘Can-do’ attitude
  • Initiative
  • Organising & planning
  • Leadership

BTEC First Certificate in Sport Pathways 1 & 2

What is a BTEC First Certificate?

A BTEC First Certificate is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

It introduces you to the employment area you have chosen and provides a good basis to go on to a more advanced work-related qualification.

A BTEC First Extended Certificate is equivalent to two GCSEs grades A*– C.
A BTEC First Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs grades A*– C.

What is the course structure?

The course is made up of two core units that you have to follow and six specialist units that are chosen for you.

What are the two core units?

  • Fitness Testing and Training
  • Practical Sport

What are the six specialist units?

  • Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
  • Injury in Sport
  • Technical Skills and Tactical Awareness for Sport
  • Psychology for Sports Performance
  • Development of Personal Fitness
  • Effects of Exercise on the Body Systems

How is the course assessed?

All units are assessed, and graded as either a pass, merit or distinction. Then an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.

What can I do at the end of the course?

With further training or study, students go into careers in:

  • Sports Centres
  • Leisure Centres
  • Outdoor Activities Centres

A BTEC First prepares you for employment and provides a good grounding to go on to a more advanced courses at college.

Students who follow a BTEC Sport course have the opportunity to develop enterprise skills in:

  • Team Work
  • Effective communication
  • Creativity & innovation
  • ‘Can-do’ attitude
  • Initiative
  • Organising & planning
  • Problem solving
  • Leadership