Bellemoor School | Southampton
Years 10,11
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (GCSE)
1. What will the lessons consist of?
Lessons will be 40% theory spent in a classroom and 60% practical spent doing a variety of physical activities on and off site.
2. What does the homework consist of?
Homework will consist of a minimum one hour every week. This usually is of a written form and will involve the use of the library and other research facilities.
3. Are there different examinations?
No. All boys who reach the required standard will sit the same theory examination. This represents 40% of the final mark.
4. How is the coursework assessed?
The coursework is the practical component, rules and understanding tests and a training programme, this represents 60% of the final mark. The practical component is made up of assessments on 4 different activities covering a number of areas. There are 2 different syllabuses for the practical components.
a) Physical Education which has the following areas:
Game Gymnastics Athletics Swimming
Pupils have to show 4 assessment activities from at least 2 different areas.
b) Physical Education (Games) which has the following areas:
Team or invasion games Racket or net games Striking games
Pupils have to show for assessment activities from 2 areas.
5. Are the practicals just about personal performance?
No. In each activity, pupils are assessed in 4 different categories:-
- a) individual skills
- b) application of skills in the full activity
- c) rules and regulations
- d) evaluation of performance and offering appropriate responses to situations within the activity.
- e) for one of the activities you must plan an eight week training programme relevant to that sport.
6. What skills will I learn?
Physical skills demanded by the variety of activities:
- social skills of working with others in a physical situation
- writing and communication skills
- reference and research skills.
7. Are there any hidden extras?
Pupils will have to spend a lot of their own time researching from a variety of books and other sources to answer the homework tasks. Pupils will also be expected to take an active interest in, and spend time on, a variety of sporting activities outside lessons. They will also be expected to keep a comprehensive file of all the written work produced.
8. What do people usually enjoy most in the course?
The challenge of analysing and performing in a variety of physical activities. A feeling of personal satisfaction and well being from performing well within a physically demanding situation. Researching and producing written work on sporting activities.
9. What usually causes most difficulty?
Pupils are often under the false impression that this course is a soft option and a way of getting extra games lessons. The theoretical work which is 40% of the course is very demanding and requires a great deal of time and effort on the part of the pupil. Pupils should appreciate they will be expected to participate in all practical activities, whatever the weather. They will need to shower after activities such as rugby.
The course is designed to combine both theory and practice of physical education and pupils with interest in only one or two sports are advised against the option.
The theory components are:-
- a) An understanding of the techniques, rules and strategies associated with a variety of physical activity and an appreciation of the aesthetic qualities and movement.
- b) Based on a sound physiological and anatomical understanding of the human body, pupils are expected to develop the concepts of health related fitness and the role of diet, exercise, the components of fitness, hygiene, healthy life styles, prevention of injury and first aid. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the principles involved in training, the different methods available and the benefits of each type.
- c) An understanding of the position of sport and physical education in society, covering topics such as politics and sport, sponsorship, media coverage and the changing social trends of leisure.