Why we teach PE

At St. Paul's Academy, Physical Education (PE) plays a crucial role in students' development. It fosters physical literacy, self-esteem, and resilience. PE instils fairness, teamwork, and leadership qualities. The inclusive curriculum covers various activities, and enrichment programmes enhance experiences. GCSE PE and BTEC Sport lead to further education options like A-Level PE and Level 3 BTEC qualifications. PE at St. Paul's shapes character, promotes lifelong learning, and prepares students for active lives!

Our vision for PE at St Paul's

GCSE Physical Education

Exam board: Edexcel

What will I study? 

The GCSE in Physical Education equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values for enhanced performance in physical activities, covering theoretical foundations, physiological and psychological influences, effective participation, analysis for improvement, recognition of health benefits, and understanding socio-cultural influences in physical activity and sport. 

What skills will I develop? 

Students who opt for Physical Education will focus on four key components. These are: 

Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems 

Component 2: Health and Performance. 

Component 3: Practical Performance 

Component 4: Personalised Exercise Programme (PEP) 

Unit 1 – The Theory of Physical Education 

Overview of content: 

Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems (36%) 

Component 2: Health and Performance (24%) Component 3: Personal Exercise Programme (10%) 

Unit 2 – Performance in Physical Education 

Overview of content: Practical performance (30%) 

How will I be assessed? 

Unit 1 is assessed through two externally set examinations: 

Component (1) 1 hour and 45 minutes 

Unit 2 is assessed under controlled conditions. This unit is externally moderated. Students will be assessed on their sporting performance. 

Component (2) 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Both examination papers include multiple-choice, short-answer, and long-answer questions. 

Where can this course take me? 

This course is an excellent foundation for those who wish to study sport at post 16 or for entry level roles within the sector. Achievement of this GCSE course provides a suitable foundation for further study, such as A Level PE or BTEC Sport Level 3 at a school sixth form/college. Many of the skills you will develop as part of this course are highly transferable, including teamwork, people and communication skills.

BTEC Sport 

Exam board: Edexcel

What will I study? 

Level 2 Tech Award in Sport is designed for Key Stage 4 learners seeking sector-specific knowledge and skills in sports. It involves exploring different aspects of sport and physical activity, including equipment and technology, participant types and needs, and anatomy and physiology. Practical sessions focus on planning and delivering sports activities, enhancing skills such as sport analysis and sports leadership. The qualification emphasises practical, skills-based learning and assessment, fostering communication, planning, time management, and teamwork. Recognising the value of vocational attributes, it complements GCSEs and broadens learners' understanding of progression options available to them. 

What skills will I develop? 

The course consists of three modules: 

Module 1: Participant Preparation

Explores diverse sports and activities, identifies participation barriers and strategies, research equipment and technological advances, learns body preparation for sports and activities. 

Module 2: Active Participation and Performance Enhancement 

Investigate fitness components and their impact. Engage in practical sports activities, examine sports officials' role, apply methods to enhance others' performance. 

Module 3: Fitness Development

Understand fitness significance, explore crucial fitness types, gain knowledge of body and fitness testing techniques.

How will I be assessed? 

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Sport has: 

Total Qualification Time: 149 hours Guided Learning Hours: 120 hours. 

The qualification is split into 60% coursework and 40% exam. The three main components are: 

• Preparing Participants to Take Part in Sport and Physical Activity (36 Hours, 30% of final grade)
• Taking Part and Improving Other Participants' Sporting Performance (36 hours, 30% of final grade) 
• Developing Fitness to Improve Other Participants' Performance in Sport and Physical Activity (48 Hours, 40% final grade) 

Where can this course take me? 

Level 2 achievers at Key Stage 4 may consider advancing to A Levels or vocational qualifications like BTEC National in Sport or Sport and Exercise Science for higher education or employment. Level 1 achievers can explore Level 2 post-16 technical routes or a technical qualification like Pearson BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Sport and Activity Leaders, providing a potential pathway to employment in the sports sector.

Head of Department: Mr. J Meade

Second in Charge: Mr L McLean