Our thriving Academic PE department offers the perfect environment for our students to engage in these enjoyable and challenging qualifications. At Ashford School we are proud to offer both GCSE PE and BTEC Sport to our students.
GCSE PE
Stimulating content is at the heart of this challenging yet engaging and enjoyable qualification. Students will receive a well-rounded introduction to the world of Sport Science, including topics that cover areas such as sports psychology, physiology, biomechanics, training and nutrition for sport, sociological aspects of sport, and performance analysis. This is delivered, and ultimately assessed, in two written exams, a piece of controlled assessment (coursework) and practical assessments in three different sports.
- Component 1: Applied Anatomy & Physiology and Physical Training
(Written paper titled ‘Physical Factors affecting Performance’ (1 hour, 60 marks) – 30%)
The paper includes multiple choice and short answer questions, and one extended writing question. - Component 2: Socio-Cultural Influences, Sports Psychology and Health, Fitness & Well-being
(Written paper titled ‘Socio-Cultural Issues & Sports Psychology’ (1 hour, 60 marks) – 30%)
The paper includes multiple choice and short answer questions, and one extended writing question. - Component 3: Non-Exam Assessment – Practical Assessments and Written Controlled Assessment (All internally marked and externally moderated – 40%)
-
- Practical Assessments (30%): candidates will select three sports that they play regularly, and to a good standard, from a set list to perform for assessment during the course. One must be a team sport, one must be an individual sport, and the third can be a free choice from the given list of sports. These are worth 30% of the final grade, and therefore 10% per activity.
- Written Controlled Assessment (10%): students will complete an Analysis & Evaluation of Performance (AEP) that centres around applying knowledge and understanding gained from their theory lessons to practical performances and fitness testing on themselves and other performers. This is completed under controlled assessment conditions in the presence of teaching staff, although there are plenty of opportunities for individual study and research in pupils’ own time in preparation for these sessions.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must be confident practical performers ideally in at least one, if not two different, sports, with the mindset and determination to become competent in a third sport during the course. Those that are already able to perform to a high level in their chosen practical activities are highly encouraged to take this subject. As a minimum, active and regular participation in School clubs and teams, as well as external clubs and organisations where appropriate, is vital in order to meet the assessment requirements.
What Next?
- The opportunity to study the BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Sport course (the equivalent of two A Levels) or the BTEC National Certificate in Sport (the equivalent of one A Level) in the Sixth Form at Ashford School
- Supportive theory for aspiring/current elite performers
- Careers in the Leisure and Fitness industries
- Relevant content and Sport Science theory that can contribute to future Physiotherapy courses
- Pathways into sports coaching and teaching, as well as sports analysis careers
- A wide variety of Sport Science and Sports Studies degrees at universities, both home and abroad