St Columbanus' College

Physical Education

Introduction

Head Of Department :  Miss M. Moran

Members Of Staff: Mr K. Blaney,  Miss C. McMahon, Mrs K. McGimpsey and Miss S. Matchett

Welcome to St Columbanus’ College PE Department. Our primary aim is to educate our students in the importance of health and fitness so that they can make positive life choices. We also aim to develop skills and qualities such as teamwork, leadership and communication, through a wide range of physical and sporting activities. Every student is supported by staff to develop their self-esteem so that they have the confidence to reach their full potential.

Facilities

• Sports hall
• Gymnasium
• Grass Football pitch
• 2 All-Weather pitches (football/hockey/athletics)

Subject Information

Key Stage 3 & 4

PE is compulsory for all students in Key Stages 3 and 4. Year 8, 9 and 10 students are allocated 4 periods of PE a week. Year 11 and 12 students are allocated 2 periods a week. The following activities are on offer:

KS4 Examination PE

Year 11 and 12 students who chose Examination PE as an option are timetabled for 7 periods over the two week timetable. The examination course is BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport and is very popular in the College. The course appeals to all ability levels especially to those who have a specific interest in the world of sport. The course builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Key Stage 3. BTEC Level 2 Sport is a demanding subject, requiring a high level of commitment, and should be considered by those students prepared to complete an external examination (25% of overall grade) at the end of year 11. Pupils will also complete three units of coursework by the end of year 12 worth 75% of the overall grade. The units studied are:

• Unit 1 - Fitness for Sport and Exercise
• Unit 2 – Practical Performance in Sport
• Unit 3 – Applying the Principles of Personal Training
• Unit 5 – The Sports Performer in Action

More information can be found at the website below.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-firsts/sport-2012-nqf.html

KS5 Examination PE

 Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport

This course takes place over two years and is equivalent to one A-level. BTEC Sport is a demanding, challenging and stimulating course.  It is for students who are interested in the Sports Industry.

The course aims to:

• Help students to become occupationally ready to take up employment in the sport sector at the appropriate level.
• Help students to either directly, after achieving the qualification, or via the stepping stone of Higher Education (HE) progress to university or college.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U).

The BTEC Nationals attract UCAS points. Please go to the UCAS website for full details of the points allocated.

Students will complete two units in Year 13 and two in Year 14.  Pupils will study the following units over the two years:

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology

This unit will be assessed externally by an examination set by Pearson.  The examination will contain a number of short answer and long answer questions.  

Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being

This unit will be assessed externally using an examination set by Pearson.  The examination will involve carrying out independent research about a scenario based on an individual who requires guidance on training, lifestyle and nutrition.

Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry

This unit will be assessed internally by a series of tasks set by your teacher.  These tasks might take the form of presentations or written documents.  There is also likely to be a strong emphasis on practical demonstrations during which you will be observed.

Unit 5: Application of Fitness Testing

This unit will be assessed through a series of assignments set by your teacher.  They will consist of written assignments but will also include, planning and conducting a series of fitness tests, as well as creating and assessing a fitness profile for a sports performer.