Physical Education

Nicholas Breakspear School has a long and proud tradition of sporting participation and success at District, County and National level. The Physical Education department is committed to providing a varied and balanced curriculum, backed by an extra-curricular programme in a broad range of sports across the year. An ethos of enjoyment, performance and achievement runs through both the core curriculum and extra-curricular activities, with team work and sportsmanship strongly promoted throughout. Every student should leave Nicholas Breakspear fully aware of the importance of exercise in contributing to a healthy, active lifestyle and understand how to achieve a desired level of general fitness. Nicholas Breakspear has facilities which include a full size 3G Astro Turf, a fully equipped fitness suite, indoor netball, basketball and badminton courts, extensive outdoor playing fields for Rugby, Football, Athletics and Rounders.

---

Key Stage 3

Our stated intent is to provide students a platform to develop physical literacy skills such as coordination of discrete and gross motor skills, management of emotional responses including confidence as well as tactical understanding, while simultaneously preparing out students for the academic elements of our subject. Our curriculum is also focused on preparing our students for our extensive extra-curricular programme and the competitions which follow. Further it is designed to develop lifelong participation of physical activity. Finally, we aspire to endow our students with skills that will enable them to succeed in academic classes.

---

Key Stage 4

KS4 Core Physical Education

All Year 10 and Year 11 pupils will participate in Physical Education as part of the National Curriculum.

In Year 10 we aim to build upon skills acquired in KS3 to enable more advanced techniques and skills to be developed. We introduce new sports such as resistance training, volleyball and handball. In Year 11 there will also be opportunities for pupils to participate in sports offered by external coaches throughout the year such as martial arts, street defence and dance.

Year 11 pupils will have the opportunity to utilise the on-site health and fitness suite and pupils are also given a choice of activities they wish to pursue within a games based option scheme.

GCSE Physical Education

Awarding Body: AQA

Subject Contact: Miss H Watkins

Course Outline

Physical Education is learned about through a range of different contexts and the impact it has on both ours and others’ everyday lives. You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people outperform others – mentally and physically. You will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also gain an understanding of the consequences of inactivity and poor diet.

Through an introduction to all areas of PE, you will receive a well-rounded and full introduction to the fascinating world of PE, physical activity and sport. Students will have the opportunity to develop a wide ranging set of key skills, including communication using appropriate language, dealing with pressure, split-second decision making, interpreting and analysing data, as well as analysing and evaluating performance so improvements can be made. This GCSE also encourages the development of strong literacy and numerary skills. 

The combination of the physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity.
You can perform, and then through the academic study learn how to improve your performance through application of the theory.

Assessment

The GCSE (9-1) Physical Education specification content is divided into three parts.

Each part is further sub-divided into topic areas and the detailed content associated with those topics.

Part 1 - Paper 1 and Paper 2 are assessed via written examination papers. (60%)

Part 2 and 3 -  is a non exam assessment. Assessed in 2 parts, Practical (30%) and coursework (10%) which is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Career Progression

The course is ideal preparation to study A Level Physical Education/CTEC Sport or Sports Centre Assistant/Management. A careers as a sports trainer or sports coach are possible paths that can be pursued.

---

Key Stage 5

A Level Physical Education

Course Content

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Skill acquisition
• Sport and society
• Exercise physiology
• Biomechanical movement
• Sport psychology
• Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport
• Preparation for practical assessment

Learning Methods and Assessment

A variety of teaching styles is adopted throughout the course including self-discovery and both teacher and student led sessions. Discussions, note taking and an ability to be practically involved are an integral part of the course.

Paper 1 (2 hour exam 105 marks – 35% of A-level )

Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology

Section B: Skill acquisition

Section C: Sport and society

Paper 2 (2 hour exam, 105 marks – 35% of A-level)

Section A: Exercise physiology and biomechanics

Section B: Sport psychology

Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport

Non Examined Assessment: (30% of A Level)

Performance Analysis Coursework and Practical Assessment in one sport (recorded evidence)

Expectations of Students

The ability to perform one sport to a high level is essential in this course. This should be to at least club or county standard, and participation should be regular outside of school ( all sport participated in outside of school will need to be recorded). Where possible, you should be representing the school in your chosen sport. An enthusiastic and committed approach is required for this challenging and enjoyable course.

Careers Prospects

There are several natural progressions following the study of Physical Education. Careers in Sport and Recreation, Sports Science, Physiotherapy, PE teaching and Sports Coaching are just a few examples. The course also complements other Post-16 courses such as Biology and Psychology.

Awarding Body: AQA

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 or above in GCSE PE. APS 5+

If perspective entrants have not studied GCSE PE a GCSE of a 5 or above in English will be required.

---

Cambridge Technical in Sport & Physical Activity

Course Content

Please note that this course is available as an Extended Certificate, equivalent to one A-Level

A wide range of centre assessed units with practical and wider project-based assessment opportunities, as well as examined units on the body systems and the long and short term impacts of sport and physical activity; how sport is organised and the purpose of sports development; health and safety requirements in sport and physical activity; the purpose of, and how to conduct, research in sport and physical activity; and how businesses in sport are organised and what success looks like to them.

Students will also develop professional, personal and social skills through interaction with peers, stakeholders and clients, as well as theoretical knowledge and understanding to underpin these skills.

Modules include

• Body Systems
• Sports Coaching
• Working Safely in Sport
• Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation
• Plus other optional units

Learning Methods and Assessment

A variety of teaching styles are adopted throughout the course to suit the module being taught. Students will be expected to use a variety of research tools to complete their assignments such as internet, field studies, video analysis and group work.

Student will be assessed through a combination of assignments that will be internally and externally assessed. Students will also sit externally assessed exams.

Expectations of Students

Students are required to undertake a lot of independent learning. An enthusiastic and committed approach is required for this challenging and enjoyable course.

Careers Prospects

There are several natural progressions following the completion of this course: Sport and Recreation, Sports Science, the Leisure Industry and Sports Coaching are just a few examples.

Awarding Body: OCR

Entry Requirements

Grade 4 or above in English Language. APS: 4+