Physical Education IGCSE

What is the nature of IGCSE Physical Education in Grades 9 & 10?

The syllabus provides candidates with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of physical education. It is designed to foster enjoyment in physical activity and provide an insight into the issues and science involved in sport. By following the course students will develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance and learn to appreciate the necessity for a sound understanding of the principles and practices that underpin improved performance, better health and well-being.

What is the approach to learning?

Students will take one theory lesson and one practical lesson per week. Lessons will be delivered in a variety of mediums and will of course draw on practical examples from modern sports science in order to facilitate learning. In addition there is a strong emphasis on student leadership. The course provides students with an opportunity to use a range of technology; video recordings, digital images and movement analysis software to record and analyse performance.

What is the subject content?

The following table states the four Units covered in the theory element of the course and lists the topics covered.

Anatomy and physiology Health, fitness and training Skill acquisition and psychology

Skeletal and muscular system Respiratory system Circulatory system Energy supply and the effects of exercise on the body Simple biomechanics Health & well-being Fitness Relationship between health and fitness Diet Components of fitness Principles of training Methods of training Warm up & cool down Skill & ability Skilled performance Skill classification continua Information processing Stages of learning Feedback Guidance Goal setting Motivation Arousal Anxiety Relaxation techniques Personality types Leisure & recreation Sports development pyramid Sponsorship Media Global events Professions and amateur performers Technology Performance enhancing drugs Risk & risk assessment Injuries

Social, cultural and ethical influences

39

The subject also has a strong practical element. Students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of sports and activities, and will be assessed in a minimum of four sports or activities from two of the seven categories. The practical sports and activities are:

Category 1: Games – Association football, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Netball, Baseball Rounders or softball, Rugby League or Union, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Lacrosse Category 2: Gymnastic Activities –Artistic Gymnastics (Floor and Vaulting), or Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampolining, Figure Skating,

Category 3: Dance

Category 4: Athletic Activities – Cross Country running, Cycling, Track and Field, weight training for fitness, rowing & sculling Category 5: Outdoor and Adventurous Activities – Canoeing, Hill Walking o r O r i e n t e e r i n g, Horse riding, Mountain biking, Rock Climbing, Rowing, Sailing, Skiing or Snowboarding, Wind Surfing Category 6: Swimming – Competitive Swimming, Life Saving or Personal Survival, water polo Category 7: Combat Activities – Judo or Taekwondo

What is the nature of assessment?

There are two components to assessment:

Component 1 (50% of total marks) The exam paper uses a mix of short answer questions and structured answer questions.

Component 2 (50 % of total marks) Students undertake four practical activities or sports from at least two of the seven categories list.

Who is the course suited to?

Being a top class athlete is not the sole requirement; the all rounder with a genuine interest in all things sporting is the ideal student. Students are expected to represent the school in at least one sports team while studying the course. The course will provide a great grounding for those students thinking about careers in Sport Science, Sport Coaching, PE Teaching, Physiotherapy and Sports Business.

40