KS4 COURSE OVERVIEW

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: MRS GRANT

EDEXCEL. PHYSICAL EDUCATION SYLLABUS

Course Content

This course is quite unique in that if offers students a chance to be assessed on their sporting capabilities as well as their knowledge of physical performance. Throughout the course students are given the opportunity to participate in frequent physical activity. 50% of the marks for this subject are allocated to practical components. Candidates will be assessed on four activities from 2 of the 6 areas of P.E. (Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Athletic Activities, Swimming and Outdoor Adventurous Activities). As well as being assessed on actual physical performance students will also have to demonstrate sound understanding of rules, regulations and safety procedures associated with each activity. 10% of the final mark is allocated to the understanding and analysis of performance in one of their selected activities. To do well in this the pupil needs an in-depth knowledge of one of their chosen sports, and this will be evident in the only written piece of coursework submitted – known as the Personal Exercise Programme (PEP).

The practical component is assessed continuously throughout the two years and in a three-day examination before Easter in Year 11. It is therefore imperative that any students intending to follow the course must attend lessons regularly.

Students should have demonstrated a sound attitude and an exemplary participation record in their Key Stage 3 Physical Education lessons.

The theory is assessed by one written examination paper of one and three quarter hours duration, which will test candidates knowledge of the factors affecting performance and their understanding of the reasons for participating in physical activity. The syllabus for this paper is divided into three sections:

Anatomy & Physiology
Factors affecting participating in Physical Activity
Safety Aspects of Physical Activity

The table below lists the sports that may be chosen; recent additions include archery, fencing and korfball.

Games Activites

Gymnastic Activities

Dance Activities

Football, Basketball or Hockey
Korfball, Lacrosse, Netball or Badminton
Korfball, Rugby League or Rugby Union
Gaelic Football, Squash, Hurling or Camogie
Water Polo, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Cricket, Rounders or Softball or Baseball (English or Welsh)

Synchronised Swimming, Horse Riding, Trampolining or Gymnastics:
All candidates must offer agilities and vaulting PLUS a sequence for ONE of:

Floor
Bars/rings/pommel horse
Beam
Educational gymnastics
Rhythmic (one of: Clubs/ Ball/ Rope/ Ribbon/ Hoop)

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform ONE DANCE through a solo, duet OR group performance.

Dance may only be offered as ONE practical activity.

Each piece performed should last between TWO AND FOUR MINUTES.

Candidates may choose to include work from the following dance styles for assessment purposes:

Modern/ Contemporary Ballet/ Tap/ Jazz/ Folk/ Traditional/ Ethnic.

Athletic Activites

Adventourous Activities

Swimming Activities

Rowing, Weightlifting, Golf or Athletics.

Three events from at least two categories:

Running:

Sprinting
Middle distance
Long distance
Hurdles
Relay
Steeplechase

High Jump:
High jump
Long jump
Pole vault
Triple jump

Throwing:
Discus
Shot
Javelin
Hammer

Sailing
Canoeing or Kayaking
Climbing
Trekking or Orienteering
Skiing or Snowboarding
Boardsailing
Personal Survival or Lifesaving

Swimming Strokes

Exercise Activities

Fitness Training
(Circuit Training/
Aerobics/Continuous Training and/or Weight Training)
Judo or Karate

There is much complicated, unfamiliar information to be understood and learnt in this course and it must be emphasised that sporting talent alone will not guarantee a pass in this subject.

Progression

To succeed and enjoy this course candidates must be able to combine sound performance in a number of physical education areas with knowledge and understanding of physical performance. The course caters for both boys and girls who wish to embark on any sport associated career; for example, coaching, teaching, leisure or even medicine and physiotherapy. It leads into the AVCE for Leisure and Tourism presently offered by Prince Henry’s Grammar School and is looked upon favourably by Further Education establishments offering Sports Science and PE Teaching Courses.