GCSE Physical Education

BTEC Sport

Why choose this subject?

Opting to study Physical Education and sport opens students' eyes to the amazing world of sports performance, allowing them to follow a pathway on either the GCSE Physical Education qualification or the BTEC Sport qualification.

Physical Education and sport is learnt about through a range of different contexts and the impact it has on our own and others’ everyday lives.

Both qualifications offer an interesting, enjoyable and challenging learning experience.  We introduce key sporting and health ideas and show how these interlink with practical performance.  Students will gain insights into the relationships they have with each other throughout the course.  The development of transferable skills include; decision making, psychological understanding of people, independent thinking, problem solving and analytical skills, as well as thinking, acting and reacting under pressure. 

Studying Physical Education and sport opens up a range of possibilities for further study and also into careers associated with the subject.

Who is the qualification for?
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Sport is for learners who want to acquire sector-specific knowledge and skills through vocational contexts by exploring the different types and providers of sport and physical activity and the equipment and technology available for participation. They will also explore the different types of participant and their needs in order to gain an understanding of how to increase participation for others in sport and physical activity and further develop their knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology. Learners will undertake practical sessions to develop skills in planning and delivering sports activity sessions to participants. The qualification enables learners to develop their specific skills, such as sport analysis and sports leadership, using realistic vocational contexts, and personal skills, such as communication, planning, time management and teamwork, through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden learners’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them. 

What does the qualification cover?
 The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through realistic vocational contexts. Learners will have the opportunity to develop applied knowledge and skills in the following areas:

•  Investigating provisions for sport, including equipment and facilities to enhance sport
•  Planning and delivery of sports drills and sessions
•  Fitness for sport including fitness testing and methodology. 

This Tech Award complements the learning in GCSE programmes such as GCSE Physical Education by providing further depth via analysis of the GCSE programmes' use of sports theoretical knowledge to improve performance in participants. Also, in the BTEC exploration of the provision and types of sports suited to different individuals with different needs is well suited to the GCSE’s depth study into key socio-cultural influences. Finally, the BTEC offers leadership and teaching in sport, which is not approached directly by the GCSE. 

What can the qualification lead to? 
Study of the qualification as part of Key Stage 4 learning will help learners to make more informed choices for further learning, either generally or in this sector. The choices that learners can make post-16 will depend on their overall level of attainment and their performance in the qualification. 
 

Possible careers

Students who want to go on to AS or A Levels, higher education or any career for which an understanding of the human body or human behaviour is desirable.  It provides a suitable introduction to further study in social sciences, or as part of a course of general education. 

Possible career paths include; Physiotherapy, Physical Education Teacher, Health and Fitness Instructor, Sports Scientist, Sports Analyst, Leisure Management and Lifestyle Coaches.

For further information and questions, please contact Mr Harnett, Director of Sport at Lealands High School.