Academic PE – Ages 14-16

Why study Academic PE?

Sport is one of the world’s leading businesses and knowledge of Sports Science is at the forefront for all top elite performers as well as those who want to improve their physical and mental well-being.  It is a very diverse, stimulating and challenging course.  The theoretical component gives students an insight into how the body and mind work at all levels of participation and performance and the how society affects its development.  In addition, it looks at the challenges and influences that affect all performers, both on and off the field. Students are encouraged to read about, listen to and watch a wide variety of sport, keep up to date with current trends and stories to be used as evidence within their work.  Studying the subject gives students the opportunity to pursue careers can open the door to careers in healthcare, fitness and leisure industries, teaching as well as many others. 

The Department has its own classroom and the staff are enthusiastic and passionate sports teachers, each with a specialist areas of knowledge, who work to provide an enjoyable and stimulating environment for every student, both on and off the sports field.

I loved my GCSE course, I was fascinated at how our body works and how psychology affects performance. I learnt how to design my own training programme and learnt to analyse my own and other people’s performances.

What skills are developed through the study of GCSE PE?

PE offers a mix of theoretical and practical learning both in and out of the classroom. We use an interactive whiteboard and various digital resources in all of the key stages to support learning, both in and out of the classroom.  A wide variety of teaching methods and activities are used to engage the students including using Play Doh to create models of joints and understanding planes and axes.  It is always interesting to see sporty students being competitive in activities within the classroom!  

What opportunities for enrichment exist in GCSE PE?

As the exams get closer we run lunchtime and after school revision sessions and we are always available to help with coursework and discuss what they need to do to improve their marks. Students are encouraged to help coach younger students during the extra curricular programme to enhance their understanding and ability to analyse.