EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR

Pupils who have studied GCSE Physical Education (PE) or those who have a particular interest in factors affecting performance in sport would be suitably qualified to consider this thoroughly engaging and theoretical course. Physical Education provides pupils with the opportunity to study PE in an academic setting, which is also supported by their own practical performance in sport. The course requires pupils to engage with a wide range of topics, such as applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and biomechanics. Pupils will be invited into the minds of professional athletes as they explore pathways of sports psychology and the way in which we learn or engage with sport in society.

Pupils are expected to be regularly performing in one chosen activity either in school or outside of school.

The course will prepare pupils for the further study of PE or sports science as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology. Pupils will also develop the transferable skills that are in demand by further education, higher education and employers in all sectors of industry.

Pupils will:

• Develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance
• Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance
• Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity and sport
• Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.