Physical Education
Head of Faculty - Mrs Heather Tierney
“Intelligence and skills can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong” – John F. Kennedy.
PE at STACS provides knowledge through instruction, practise, and feedback, for pupils to flourish within their phase and prepare them for the next stages of learning. We know, through our years of experience, and our continued research into PE, that key social skills such as: learning to work collaboratively with others of differing abilities, coping with success and failure, cognitive and emotional development are also nurtured and transformed within our lessons.
Within core PE our main three foci are:
- Motor competence – knowledge of the range of movements that become increasingly sport- and physical activity-specific.
- Rules, strategies and tactics – knowledge of the conventions of participation in different sports and physical activities.
- Healthy participation – knowledge of safe and effective participation.
Within examination PE our three focuses are:
- To open their eyes to the amazing world of sports performance. Combining physical performance and academic challenge to provide an exciting opportunity for students to flourish.
- Giving students the chance to perform in three different sports at a high level of competition and assessment.
- Developing a wide-ranging knowledge into the how and why of Physical activity and sport.
Physical Education
Curriculum
KS3 Overview
YEAR 7
Core PE: Our year 7 curriculum focuses initially on core skills, assessing what our students already know from primary school and then building on these skills with a variety of different activities. We start the year with activities they may already be familiar with and introduce activities they may have never done before, finishing the year with traditional summer sports which also coincide with our extracurricular programme. The activities they complete this year are: football, netball, badminton, fitness, trampolining, basketball, athletics, rounders and softball.
Homework: After the first half term, students will also begin focusing on basic theory for homework, looking at anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and health and lifestyle which is revisited twice throughout the year to build familiarity and understanding.
YEAR 8
Core PE: Students in year 8 will continue with a rich activity-based curriculum, moving into same gender classes to enable us to adhere to safe practice and high competition standards ruled by NGBs. They are focusing on building the motor competence, rules, strategies and tactics of each of these activities. There are some slight differences between male and female PE lessons as a result of student voice surveys and GCSE specification sports that we build towards. The activities they look at are as follows.
Girls: badminton, trampolining, fitness, netball, football, volleyball, dance, athletics and rounders.
Boys: badminton, trampolining, fitness, basketball, football, handball, table tennis, athletics and softball.
Homework: Students will continue their theory homework adding in key literacy skills which will prepare them for GCSE and OCR Technical exams/coursework tasks in year 9. This homework is assessed with a six mark essay at the end of the year.
Ks4 Overview
YEARS 9-11
Core PE:
Students will experience a range of different activities over their final three years of core PE continuing to build on their motor competence and knowledge of rules, strategies and tactics so they are proficient in the activities they are partaking in and will have the skills to confidently join clubs outside of school to continue a lifelong enjoyment of sport.
We also focus on the healthy participation of sport. Activity is linked to not only physical but social and mental health and we allow our year 10 and 11s three “option pathways” throughout the year, where they are able to select the activity they want to do, rather than the ones prescribed for them.
The option pathways are as follows:
Girls: Trampolining/Volleyball, Table Tennis/Basketball, Dance/Football or Handball
Boys: Handball/Trampolining, Badminton/Alternative Games, Football/Rugby
Examination PE:
Students can opt to choose examination PE of which we offer two pathways; GCSE and Cambridge Technical (CNAT). We guide the students towards the course most suitable for them based on their practical ability, theory marks, Science and English grades.
GCSE – OCR:
Studying GCSE (9–1) Physical Education will open their eyes to the amazing world of sports performance. Not only will students have the chance to perform in three different sports through the non-exam assessment component, they will also develop wide ranging knowledge into the how and why of Physical activity and sport. The combination of the physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. They can perform, and then through the academic study learn how to improve their performance though application of the theory. Physical Education is learned about through a range of different contexts and the impact it has on both ours and other’s everyday lives. They will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people out perform others, mentally and physically. They will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also gain an understanding of the consequences of inactivity and poor diet.
GCSE (9–1) Physical Education is not just an excellent base for the OCR A Level in Physical Education, it can take them much further. For those of you fascinated by the human mind, why not carry on to Psychology? For people into the why of the human race this carries you through to Sociology. This is also an excellent additional qualification for those undertaking the sciences with the intention to move through into medicine or physiotherapy routes.
Further information and links to specification can be found here
KS5 Overview
A-Level PE
Studying A Level PE gives your students a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance. Not only do they have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, they can also develop a wide-ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport. Our A Level in PE is studied though a range of different contexts. Our students learn the reasons why we do things and why some people outperform others – mentally and physically. They’ll also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also the influence that modern technology is having on physical activity and sport.
Further information and links to specification can be found here
Course Content Outline
Ks4
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What’s included 40% Non-Exam assessment giving you the opportunity to apply the theory to your own sporting performance in three different activities as well as allowing you to analyse performance in your chosen sport.
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Cambridge National - OCR
Our Cambridge National in Sport Studies takes a more sector-based focus, while also including some core sport/physical education themes. Students have the opportunity to apply fundamental principles and concepts of sport studies, skills development and sports leadership to their own practical performance. They’ll learn about contemporary issues in sport such as funding, participation, how technology is used within sport, ethics and values, and sport and the media.
This qualification is not just about being able to play sport; it will provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding that can allow them to progress onto further study within this sector or a related sector. This qualification can also give learners the skills that will allow them to volunteer in the sport and physical activity sector as an Assistant Sports Coach, Assistant Activity Leader or a similar role; experience that is personally rewarding but is also desirable to potential future employers and/or educational establishments.
Further information and links to specification can be found here
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What’s included:
Unit R184: Contemporary Issues in Sport – This is assessed by an exam. This unit constitutes a range of topics which will develop your understanding of modern-day issues around sport and physical activity, including barriers to participation, the role of sport promoting values, the implications of hosting a major sporting event, the role of National Governing Bodies in sport and the use of technology in sport.
Unit R185: Performance and leadership in sports activities – This is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills both as a performer in two different sporting activities, and as a leader, developing a range of transferable skills. Topics include, key components of performance, applying practice methods to support improvement in a sporting activity, organising and planning a sports activity session, leading and reviewing a sports activity session. Unit R186: Sports and the media – This is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit you will understand the different sides of range of media sources and apply real life examples to show the nature of the relationship between media and sport. Topics for study include, the different sources of media that cover sport, positive effects of the media in sport and negative effects of the media in sport. |
KS5
Course content outline:
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What’s included:
Physiological factors affecting performance (30% of total marks). This component will assess: Applied anatomy and physiology, Exercise physiology and Biomechanics.
Psychological factors affecting performance (20% of total marks). This component will assess: Skill acquisition and Sports psychology.
Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport (20% of total marks). This component will assess: Sport and society and Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport.
Practical Performances (15% of total marks). This component will assess either: core and advanced skills in performing one activity or core and advanced skills in coaching one activity.
Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement (15% of total marks). This component draws upon the knowledge, understanding and skills a learner has learnt throughout the course and enables them to analyse and evaluate a peer’s performance in one activity |
Cambridge Technical (CTECH) in Sport and Physical Activity
Our Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity qualifications help our students to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether that’s higher education, an apprenticeship or employment. A wide range of centre assessed units with practical and wider project-based assessment opportunities, as well as examined units on the body systems and the long and short term impacts of sport and physical activity; how sport is organised and the purpose of sports development; health and safety requirements in sport and physical activity; the purpose of, and how to conduct research in sport and physical activity; and how businesses in sport are organised and what success looks like to them.
Further information and links to the specification can be found here
Course content outline:
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What’s included:
Unit 1: Body systems and the effects of physical activity – This unit is assessed via external exam. In this unit you will gain an understanding of the structures and functions of the key body systems, how these support and impact performance in sport and physical activity and the effects that physical activity, training and lifestyle can have on them.
Unit 2: Sports coaching and leadership – This is assessed via internal assignments. This unit will give you an understanding behind the theory of what makes good sports coaches and activity leaders and methods that can be employed to improve the performance of participants. You will explore the roles and responsibilities of coaches and leaders and how these differ from each other, and others involved in delivering and teaching sport and physical activity. The main part of the unit is related to you developing the skills and understanding necessary to effectively plan and deliver a series of sports or activity sessions reflecting on your own practice and using this feedback to improve your performance as a sports coach or activity leader.
Unit 3: Sports organisation and development – This unit is assessed via external exam. In this unit you will gain an understanding of the organisations involved in sport in the UK, their roles and responsibilities and how they work together. You will also gain an understanding of sports development, including the organisations involved, who sports development is targeted at and why, how sports development is carried out and how the success of sports development initiatives can be measured.
Unit 8: Organisation of sports events – This unit is assessed via internal assignments. This unit is designed for you to develop skills in planning, promoting and delivering a sports event; with a focus primarily on your individual role as well as working as part of a team and reflecting on your input and future personal development. This unit will enable you to establish transferrable skills which can be used within sport and active leisure as well as within the fitness industry. It will also enhance skills such as team work, organisation and safeguarding awareness. Unit 19: Sport and exercise psychology – This unit is assessed via internal assignments. In this unit you will learn different motivations that people have for participating in sport and exercise and how performance can be managed through an understanding of attribution theory, stress and group dynamics. You will also learn the impacts that participation in sport and exercise can have on a person’s mental health and wellbeing, whether an elite performer or a member of the general public. |
Assessment Details
KS3
How is PE assessed at KS3
A repetition of the baseline lesson is conducted in each activity in order to measure progress over time. This should be held in the last lesson of each unit in order to establish:
- Progress in identified target areas
- Re-introduction of key terminology
- A final assessment on the 1-10 scale
- Personalised target setting for future study
The content from the knowledge-based curriculum should be included throughout the unit, set for homework and tested through the quizzes and literacy tasks.
After each activity block, progress is tracked and homework levels are recorded. At the end of the year, the three strongest activity levels (75% of overall score) are used alongside homework scores (worth 25% of overall grade) to give the students their overall grade on a A-E scale.
Ks4
How is PE assessed at KS4
GCSE Physical Education
External Examinations:
- Written paper: 1 hour 30% of total GCSE (9–1) 60 marks.
- Written paper 2: 1 hour 30% of total GCSE (9-1) 60 marks.
These papers consist of a mixture of objective response and multiple-choice questions, short answers and extended response items.
Sample example papers and mark schemes found here
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) 30% of total GCSE (9–1) 60 marks.
This NEA will consist of three activities, including at least one ‘team’ and at least one ‘individual’ sport from the approved activity lists in competitive situations.
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) 10% of total GCSE (9–1) 20 marks.
This NEA will consist of a written task that must be produced under controlled conditions.
CNAT in Sport and Physical Activity
External Examination:
- Unit R184: Contemporary Issues in Sport (70 marks)
This paper consists of a mixture of objective response and multiple-choice questions, short answers and extended response items.
Sample assessment paper can be found here
Non-exam Assessment:
- Unit R185: Performance and leadership in sports and activities
This unit consists of:
- Key components of performance
- Apply practice methods to support improvement in a sporting activity
- Planning an effective sports activity session
- Leading a sporting activity
- Reviewing your leadership of a sporting activity
Sample assessment documentation can be found here
- Unit R186: Sports and the media
This unit consists of:
- Media coverage of sport
- Positive effects of media in sport
- Negative effects of media in sport
Further information and links to the specification can be found here
KS5
How is your subject assessed at KS5
A-LEVEL in Physical Education
- Written paper 1: 2 hours 30% of total A Level 90 marks.
This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions.
- Written paper 2: 1 hour 20% of total A Level 60 marks.
This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions
- Written paper 3: 1 hour 20% of total A Level 60 marks.
This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions.
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) 15% of total A Level 30 marks, weighted up to 45 marks.
This NEA will consist of one activity taken from the approved list. Learners can be assessed in the role of performer or coach.
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) 15% of total A Level 30 marks, weighted up to 45 marks.
This NEA will consist of observing a live or recorded performance by a peer and then providing an oral response analysing and critically evaluating the performance.
Sample example papers and mark schemes found here
CTECH in Sport and Physical Activity
External Examination:
- Unit 1: Body systems and the effect of physical activity (70 marks)
This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions
Sample exam papers can be found here
- Unit 3: Sports organisation and development (60 marks)
This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions
Sample mark schemes can be found here
Internal non-exam assessment:
- Unit 2: Sports coaching and leadership
In these tasks you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of sports coaches and leaders and how these differ from each other and from other roles involved in the delivery of sport and physical activity. You will need to show an understanding of the principles that underpin sports coaching and leading before going on to plan, prepare for, deliver and review a series of sports or activity sessions based on the needs of the participants.
Sample assignments can be found here
- Unit 8: Organisation of sports events
In these tasks you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the different types of sports events there are and the purpose of them. You will also need to know the different roles and responsibilities that are involved in the successful planning and delivery of sports events. You will also be provided the opportunity to plan, promote and deliver a sports event whilst explaining and evaluating the role and responsibilities you had.
Sample assignments can be found here
- Unit 19: Sport and exercise psychology
In these tasks you will act as a sports psychologist. You will show your understanding of the impact of sports psychology on overall performance and success. You will demonstrate your understanding of psychological issues that cause barriers to the athlete performing to their potential and the methods that can be implemented to overcome these. You will also be given the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the psychological impact of sport and exercise on mental health and wellbeing.
Sample assignments can be found here
Extra-Curricular Programme
Our extracurricular programme changes every half term to reflect seasons and leagues that we enter. We also change and adapt what is on offer according to “student voice” and enjoy offering sports that students wouldn’t have the opportunity to take part in outside of school.
Throughout the year we enter into:
- Kings Norton District Netball League (Girls Only)
- Kings Norton and South Birmingham District Football League
- Birmingham Schools Sports Federation Cup (Boys only)
- Birmingham and West Midlands Schools Basketball Leagues
- Birmingham Schools Table Tennis League
- School Games Competitions in; Indoor Athletics, Dance, Badminton, Trampolining, Basketball, Handball, Table Tennis, Softball, Rounders
- South Birmingham School Cup in Athletics
- South Birmingham Schools Cross Country
- Catholic Schools competitions including but not exclusive to: football, sports day and swimming
Why Study Sport
Studying Sport and Physical Education will open your eyes to the amazing world of sports performance. Not only will you have the chance to perform in different sports through the non-exam assessment components, you will also develop wide ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport. The combination of the physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. You can perform, and then through the academic study learn how to improve your performance though application of the theory. Sport and Physical Education is learned about through a range of different contexts and the impact it has on both ours and other’s everyday lives. You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people out perform others, mentally and physically. You will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also gain an understanding of the consequences of inactivity and poor diet.
Websites for research / wider reading
PE Review magazine (monthly) – an online subscription for this will be processed when you enrol on the course in KS5 (but hard copies can also be found in the library), this is tailored to the OCR specification relating key topics to current sporting performers/issues
BBC Sport website – Keep up to date with sporting news stories – you will be surprised how many daily sporting issues have relevance to multiple specification topics!
Blogs – The best format for further reading is on blogs – these are continuously updated and will cover a range of modern sporting issues as the course progresses, with in depth analysis relating to key areas of the specification. Use the list below as the best ones identified by each topic teacher:
Physiology Blogs:
- https://ispyphysiology.com/ - A must follow for all Physiology topics, this should be a weekly read alongside your classwork.
- https://theapprofessor.blogspot.com/ - to see deeper and further insight into A&P topics especially for those looking to go into Sports Science, Physiotherapy, or medicine
- https://www.kimberleymurray.com/news-blog/ - Especially when looking at Ex Phys and Biomechanics and elite athletes
- https://medicineinmotion.com.au/blog/ - Ex Phys when looking at injuries and illness
Psychology Blogs:
- https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/category/sports-psychology-tips/ Sports Psychology directly applied to elite sports performance.
- https://prosportpsychsym.wordpress.com/ Discussion topics ranging from leadership to achievement motivation, written by experts.
- https://appliedsportpsych.org/blog/ Many of these are written from the perspective of the sports coach or teacher, discussing a range of levels of performers.
- https://yscsportsmentaledge.wordpress.com/ Another blog with articles and discussions relating to the role of sports psychology in elite performance.
Socio Cultural Blogs:
- http://www.alevelpe.com/blog.html A blog showcasing examples relating to emergence and evolution of sport, public schools and their ethics and doping in sport.
- https://ashpe.weebly.com/social-cultural-revision.html Two videos relating to key knowledge points and examples within public school sports and structure of sport in the UK.
- https://thephagroup.com/blog/sports-and-fitness-pr-blog/commercialisation-sport/ Further examples and key facts relating to commercialisation within sport.
- https://www.uksport.gov.uk/afn/athlete-blogs Insight into the thoughts of different athletes. Showcases athlete’s different thoughts on current events within sport and their journey into elite sport.
- https://sportstechnologyblog.com/ Modern examples of new technology within sport and how it is being used. Monthly updates on the blog.
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