Year 9 PE Pathway

All students will study the same course with the aim of preparing them for both courses in Year 10.

2 double lessons per week:

• Lesson 1 – taught in examinations groups alongside Core PE. Students will be taught swimming, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, athletics and;
• Lesson 2 – taught in options blocks.  Students will study a variety of theoretical units including anatomy and physiology and sport psychology. This is done wherever possible through a practical approach, but will also include classroom lessons.

The course involves a trip to the University of Bath, usually in March, where students' studies are supported with top of the range equipment and expert lecturers. Students are able to see some of the theoretical aspects in action and have a go for themselves.

AQA GCSE Physical Education

The course will use both Core PE and option PE time as well as extra-curricular activities.  Commitment is essential and students must understand that there will be a large amount of classroom-based theory work during Year 11, rather than practical PE.

This course is both practical and theoretical, involving a double lesson each week of practical activity, and one double lesson in a classroom covering the theoretical syllabus.  The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, sport psychology and social issues.

Students need to be a high level practical performer in at least three sports; 1 game, 1 individual event and 1 of either. They will be assessed in the following:

• Part 1 (skills) - Developing skills in physical activity. 10 marks
• Part 2 (full context) - Being creative and making decisions. 15 marks
• Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement (assessed in only one activity)

The practical element accounts for 40% of the final grade.  During one double theory lesson a week, students will study for two written exams worth 60% of the final grade.

The exams are divided into two papers; Paper 1 examining the human body and movement in physical activity and sport; and Paper 2 examining socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity in sport.

OCR Sports Studies

A vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to Sports Studies.  This is a two-year course that will give successful students the equivalent of one GCSE at grades 9 - 1.  Final grades will be Pass, Merit or Distinction at either Level 1 (Grades 3-1) or Level 2 (9-4).

The Units that the students will study are:

• Contemporary Issues in Sport (Written paper of 1 hour - 60 marks) 25%
• Developing Sports Skills (Coursework/Practical) 25%
• Sports Leadership (Coursework/Practical) 25%
• Sport and the Media (Coursework) 25%

During the course, students can learn about many aspects of the sports sector and personal performance by:

• Exploring a range of topical and contemporary issues in sport.
• Developing their skills, techniques and use of tactics/strategies/compositional ideas in both an individual and a team sporting activity.
• Developing their understanding of the rules to allow them to act in a number of officiating roles within an activity.
• Developing knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to be an effective sport leader and plan, deliver and review safe and effective sporting activity sessions themselves.
• Developing their knowledge and understanding of the relationship between sport and the media.