Academic Physical Education at Glenalmond College

Glenalmond College presently offers the following courses in Physical Education.

GCSE Physical Education follows the AQA Specification B. Candidates are assessed in 4 physical activities, which must be selected from at least two of the following National Curriculum Areas of Activity: Athletic Activities, Games Activities, Gymnastic Activities, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities and Swimming and Water Safety. The practical activities are chosen by the pupils and are usually selected from traditional games activities offered by the school (rugby, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, tennis etc.), although specialist sports pursued during pupils own time can also be selected. Survival swimming usually provides the chosen activity from a different area from Games Activities. The practical element of the course makes up 50% of the total marks.

Each candidate will be required to submit an analytical investigation based on one or more of the physical activities contained in the specification. The candidate is required to analyse and improve performance through the role of a coach, leader, official, organiser or performer. The Analytical Investigation of the course makes up 20% of total marks.

The final form of assessment is the terminal examination. One written paper draws on knowledge gained from the following areas. Health, fitness and factors affecting performance; Fitness for physical activities; Fitness training; Factors affecting individual performance and participation; Social and cultural factors affecting participation. The examination element of the course constitutes 30% of total marks.

Advanced Level Physical Education follows the new Edexcel specification involving two units at AS level. These units will be examined for the first time in May 2009.

Unit 1 – Participation in Sport and Recreation

The development of active leisure and recreation; Healthy Lifestyle; Effects of exercise – responses and adaptations of the body systems; Fitness and training; Fitness assessment; The development of competitive sport; Performance pathways; Lifelong involvement; The long-term athlete

Unit 2 – The Critical Sports Performer (Coursework)

Personal performance (player); Personal performance (leader or official); Local study; National study; Performance analysis.

Pupils are encouraged to undertake the Community Sports Leader Award in conjunction with their AS studies.