Sport Studies

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr T Deakin EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA SPECIFICATION CODE: 7582 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: GCSE Biology Grade 6

A Level Sport Studies builds on students' experience from Key Stage 4 and GCSE to enhance their knowledge and increase their understanding of the factors that affect performance and participation in PE.

This specification gives students the opportunity to experience and develop an interest in a variety of roles in sport, such as performer, official or coach. The content addresses contemporary topics in sport, such as the impact in the use of ergogenic aids, technology and the increasing commercialisation of sport. The course is taught by Mr Felgate, Mrs Keightley and Mr Moore.

COURSE CONTENT Students will be equipped with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. This will require them to: • Develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance; • Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance; • Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people's involvement in physical activity and sport; • Understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport; • Refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas; Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance; Understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness; Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.

COURSE ASSESSMENT Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport. Section A – Applied anatomy & physiology Section B – Skill acquisition Section C – Sport & society Written exam 2 hours, 35% of A Level.

Practical performance in physical activity and sport: Students are assessed as a player, performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity, 15% of A Level. Written / verbal analysis and evaluation of performance, 15% of A Level.

Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport. Section A – Exercise physiology and biomechanics Section B – Sports psychology Section C – Sport and society, technology in sport. Written exam 2 hours – 35% of A Level.

WHY STUDY SPORTS STUDIES? The sports industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of modern society. With continual developments in technology, nutrition and psychology to name a few, there are a huge number of exciting opportunities for those interested in continuing this subject beyond GCSE. Students should have an interest in different sports and want to find out more about the role sport has on society, whilst keeping abreast of current national and global sporting events.