COURSE
The Physical Education course gives pupils the opportunity to analyse and develop their performance in a range of different sports. This analysis and development will involve studying different aspects of physical, social, emotional and mental factors.
CONTENT
The course is divided into two components, which are taught concurrently:
1) Performance
Tasks will require learners to effectively perform in a practical context to demonstrate:
- a repertoire of skills;
- control and fluency;
- effective decision making;
- the use of compositions, tactics and/or roles;
- the ability to follow rules and follow appropriate etiquette; and
- an ability to control emotions during a performance.
2) Portfolio
The purpose of the portfolio is to assess the learner’s ability to:
- understand factors that impact performance;
- plan, develop and implement approaches to enhance personal performance; and
- monitor, record and evaluate performance development.
TYPICAL LESSON
The majority of lessons will take place in a practical setting, but this will be complemented by regular classroom lessons. Pupils can expect to experience a wide range of learning approaches, including the following:
- self and peer-assessment, often via detailed video analysis
- using tablet PCs and a range of other user-friendly computer software
- active learning
- pupils will choose an area of focus for their portfolio
- pupils’ improvement programmes will be both individual and relevant
- differentiated assessment
- performance grades will be based on each pupil’s strongest two activities
HOW WILL IT BE ASSESSED?
1) Performance
Performance contributes 60 marks (50% of the total marks) and, at present, comprises of two single performances, each worth 30 marks. Each activity will be internally assessed but is also subject to external verification from SQA.
2) Portfolio
The written portfolio will carry 60 marks (50% of the total marks). A smaller, practice portfolio will be completed during S3 and the final portfolio will be completed throughout S4. The portfolio is subject to external marking by SQA.
CAREERS/PROGRESSION
There are many careers that have fairly obvious links to Physical Education, such as sports coaching, sports physiotherapy, sports science or teaching PE. However, there is also a vast range of other jobs where the skills you develop in Physical Education are applicable. For example, the expertise required to analyse and interpret data and leadership skills are abilities which are highly valued by employers. Former pupils have found themselves in careers as diverse as sports journalism, sports design engineering and sports statistical analyst. Use the following links to find out about some of the current Physical Education related careers that are being advertised at the moment:
http://www.careers-in-sport.co.uk/
http://www.uksport.gov.uk/jobs-in-sport
National Qualifications in Physical Education are accepted as entry requirements by all universities and further education colleges.
