The academic study of PE
The formal study of physical education is possible at GCSE and AS Level.
Numbers taking this subject must necessarily be limited to a maximum of one set.
Caution
This is not a course that pupils should select if they feel it might just involve running around the gym kicking a football and throwing a ball in the basket. Some of the theory is difficult, the analytical investigation takes time and a great deal of hard work, and the practical activities have to be rehearsed and practised in depth to produce skilled performance and advanced knowledge.
The aims of the course
To increase the candidate's knowledge, understanding and performance of physical activities.
To promote the value of physical exercise as part of healthy living.
To improve the candidate's awareness of the reasons for participation in physical activity and the opportunities for participation in physical activities.
Assessment
- - Assessment of practical performance (50%)
- - Written paper (30%)
- - Analytical investigation (20%)
The course is taught in both a practical and a theoretical manner which are linked continually through the two years.
Progression
The course provides a good foundation for any sports and leisure related industries. It also provides a useful stepping stone to the Higher course and various tertiary education sports-related courses.
The main theoretical areas of study
1. Health, Fitness and Physical Activity.
Health related fitness includes consideration of cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility and endurance. Skill related fitness includes agility, speed, balance, co-ordination and reaction time. |
2. Factors affecting performance.
What is the relevance of diet and personal hygiene? What are the issues surrounding performance enhancing drugs? What about the role of training? |
3. Factors affecting participation.
Will the 2012 Olympics inspire UK youth to sporting excellence or will lack of facilities and coaching hold them back? What has been the effect of the movement away from amateurism and towards professionalism in sport? Do professionals provide good role models? |
4. Reasons for participation.
What affects our energy levels and our willingness and opportunity for exercise? Is it really a priority? Should we care about the oibesity epidemic in the UK? |
5. Coursework
For example such titles as: "How to improve my place-kicking in rugby", |
Assessment
As 50% of the final mark is practically based it is important that candidates are keen sportsmen or sportswomen and have interest in many different types of sport and activities. |
"Health" and "Fitness" are two entirely different things. A world champion athelete has to be very fit, but he/she can still become ill with a virus. 
More than 10 million sports injuries occur each year. Do you know the difference between traumatic injury and overuse of muscles or joints? 
Politics in sport is important. Should local authorities be selling off sports fields to fund their other activities? 
Is exercise simply of value to physical health or are there other reasons for participation? 
Candidates must also produce an analytical investigation on an area of sport that they themselves are interested in. 
Candidates will be assessed in four practical performance areas which must be selected from three different English National Curriculum areas of activity. These are: Athletic activities, Dance, Games, Gymnastic activities, Outdoor activities, and Swimming. This page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / pe / gcse.htm
