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Physical Education

Please note:
This subject is offered in mixed classes jointly with Ermysted’s Grammar School.   
Specification OCR A Level Physical Education H555
Contact Miss J Robinson (Curriculum Leader: PE)
Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 6 in PE or Biology. Study of GCSE PE is desirable but not compulsory. It will be expected that all students have a keen interest in sport and the issues surrounding it. You will be expected to compete in regular fixtures/performances in at least one sporting activity which can be assessed at A Level outside of school.

Is this course for me?

This is a demanding and academic course and you must be very good at practical PE and have a strong interest in the subject if you are to do well.

Opportunities

This could lead to a range of career opportunities such as PE teacher, sports psychologist, sports scientist, leisure and recreation manager, sports administrator, physiotherapist, conditioning coach, performance analyst, sports development manager and fitness professional.

Qualification Structure

Unit 1: Anatomy & Physiology

The application of the following knowledge is needed to analyse the response of the body to physical activity: a general overview of the skeletal system; types of joints, movements and muscle structures; control of the cardiac, vascular and respiratory systems; basic 
biomechanical principles.

Exercise and Sports Physiology

The application of the following knowledge to improve physical performance:

Concepts of energy, energy production in the body, effects of exercise upon the body and the recovery process. Components of fitness and methods of fitness testing. Principles of training and methods and ethics of performance enhancement.

Examination – 2 hours

Unit 2: Sports Psychology

This course will also provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of Sports Psychology and its links to performance. You will 
investigate areas such as personality, attitude, motivation, group/team dynamics, leadership aggression and audience effects on performance.

Skill Acquisition

With continual links to practical examples, students will develop a fundamental psychological knowledge of the characteristics of skilful performance, classification of movement skills/abilities and knowledge of the development of skilful performance. From this position, 
students will increasingly link psychological knowledge to performance and learn how individuals and teams develop.

Examination – 1 hour

Unit 3: Contemporary Studies in PE

Understanding and application of the concepts of play, leisure, recreation, sport and physical education. Issues surrounding the pursuit of excellence & mass participation including: the role of the media, drugs in sport, the role of sporting agencies, ethical issues, violence and corruption.

Historical Studies
How did sports begin? Popular recreation activities pre 1800, 19th century public school influences on sporting activities, rational recreational developments in competitive sport, 1870 onward. Developments in 20th century physical education. 

Examination – 1 hour

NEA Coursework (30%)

Evaluating and planning for improvement in performance – a ‘viva voce’ examination to camera. Candidates will have the opportunity to prepare this piece of work - 10%

Demonstrations of technique and understanding in one activity area - 20%