At UCC we have the privilege of being able to offer our students one of two examination PE courses. Please note, both examination courses are theory based with a combination of practical assessments that contribute to the student’s overall final grade.  Students should choose one of our PE courses if they have a true passion for learning about sport, health and wellbeing, in addition to having the sporting ability to succeed in the practical element of each course. Both courses are timetabled with 5 lessons over two weeks in addition to their core PE allocation of 3 lessons over two weeks. If you wish to be considered for one of these courses, please choose the “PE option” box on the options form.

GCSE Physical Education

Aims
The GCSE Physical Education course provides a platform for students to learn about a wide variety of scientific, sporting and health related concepts.  Additionally, students will have the opportunity to showcase their practical abilities by completing assessments in 3 different sports. It is important that students are competing regularly at a good or high level outside of school.  Further information on how the course is assessed and the theoretical components studied are shown below:

The course is divided in to two sections:

• Theory Content = 60% (Students sit two exams worth 60% of their final grade – 30% each)

1. Applied anatomy and physiology

2. Movement analysis

3. Physical training

4. Use of data

5. Sports psychology

6. Socio-cultural influences

7. Health, fitness and well-being

• NEA Assessment = 40% (Practical assessment = 30% of the final grade & NEA Coursework = 10% of the final grade)

Students will be assessed in three different sports (one individual and two team sports or two individual and one team sport). Each sport is worth 10% of the students final grade and is assessed against criteria set by the exam board.  Students are also required to produce a piece of analysis coursework, where they evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their own performance in their main sport, this is worth 10% of their final grade.

To be Successful on this Course you will need to:

• Compete at a good or high level in at least one or two sports at club level.

• Be confident with studying scientific theoretical components such as the body systems

• Feel comfortable in an exam environment as 60% of your final grade is achieved through 2 exams in Year 11

• Take responsibility for recording and uploading evidence for each of your 3 chosen sports

• Be able to articulate themselves clearly when writing answers

Further Education and Career Opportunities

Completing the GCSE PE course provides a route to further education such as A Level PE, A Level Biology, BTEC Level 3 and other Level 3 diplomas. Studying academic PE can also lead to careers in coaching, teaching, sports and leisure management, sports development, sports marketing, physiotherapy, sports science, sports research and many other fields.

Cambridge National Sports Studies

Aims

The Cambridge National Sport Studies course offers a variety of opportunities to learn about several contemporary sporting topics, whilst developing our students practical and leadership abilities in different sports. Students will develop a wide range of highly desirable, transferrable skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills. Additionally, students will be required to work independently to complete assignments and submit work to meet deadlines.

Approach

Students will access 6 lessons across a two-week timetable in addition to their 3-lesson core PE allocation. These lessons will contain a mixture of practical lessons which will be used for practical assessment purposes in either two team sports, two individual sports or a combination of the two. Additionally, theory-based lessons will be used to complete coursework assignments across a range of topics.

Topics & Assessment

Contemporary Issues in Sport
(1 Exam – worth 40% of the final
grade)

You will learn about participation levels and barriers to completing sporting activities.
You will also learn how participation is impacted by the promotion of values and
ethical behaviour, about the role of high-profile sporting events, the role of national
governing bodies and how technology is used within sport.

Performance & Leadership in Sport
(5 assessments worth 40% of the final
grade)

You will develop your skills both as a performer and as a leader, in two different
sporting activities, developing a range of transferable skills by planning and delivering a
lesson. You will work both independently and as part of a team, including
communicating with team mates as well as being in front of an audience when you
perform. You will perform under pressure, both as a participant and as a leader, and
will use your initiative to solve problems and make decisions.

Sport & the Media
(3 assessments worth 20% of the final
grade)

You will study the different sides of a range of media sources and apply real-life
examples to show the nature of the relationship between media and sport. You will
also learn how rapid development in technology is enabling sport to be viewed,
replayed and discussed whenever and wherever the spectator wants. You will then
develop your ability to evaluateand interpret the different ways in which sport is
represented by the media.

 

Grading

All results are awarded on the following scale: Level 2 – Distinction* (*2), Distinction (D2), Merit (M2), Pass (P2) Level1 – Distinction (D1), Merit (M1), Pass (P1) and Fail/Unclassified.

To be Successful on this Course you will

• Compete at a good or high level in at least one sport at club level.
• Be well organised and consistently meet coursework deadlines
• Be able to work independently
• Be able to respond to feedback to improve practical performances and coursework
• Prefer regular coursework based assessments instead of traditional examinations
• Be competent using online platforms such as Word, PowerPoint and the Internet