At King’s we offer the IGCSE in Physical Education provided by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board. This syllabus provides pupils with an opportunity to study both the practical and theoretical aspects of Physical Education.

Through studying the course, pupils will be able to develop an understanding of effective and safe physical performance. They will be able to appreciate the necessity for sound understanding of the principles and practices that underpin improved performance, better health and wellbeing.

The course aims to develop:

• An understanding of the factors influencing performance and the ability to apply these to a range of physical activities
• Knowledge and skills of selected physical activities
• The skills necessary to analyse, evaluate and improve performance
• An appreciation of social, moral and cultural issues which affect participation and performance in physical activity
• The capacity to think critically about the relationships between the different factors influencing performance
• The ability to explain current provision for participation in physical activity in the context of social issues and global trends

IGCSE Specification

Pupils with a real interest in Physical Education will find the A Level course a wonderful platform from which to launch a career in the world of Sport, Teaching, Coaching, Sports Management, Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology, Sports Technology and not least, Sports Science. The staff will challenge and stretch the pupils in the wide ranging aspects of the course but it is also hoped that pupils will challenge themselves, and enjoy the experience. They should not be afraid to ask pertinent questions, or to fathom out the answers. Questions such as:

• “Why do some people have ice baths straight after sport?”
• “What are the benefits of the new fitness and activity trackers?”
• “Why do certain athletes cheat in their sports?”
• “Are there any benefits from taking beetroot juice?”

The A-Level course will require the pupils to follow the daily sports stories on the internet and in the media, follow regular tweets on the Academic Twitter page and to research and present work using different applications such as Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, CD-ROMs and the Internet. Pupils will also use digital cameras and video recorders to observe and analyse their sporting performances.

Subject areas taught as part of the two year course include, Applied Physiology, Skill Acquisition, Sport and Society, Technology in Sport, Sports Psychology and Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics. Further details can be found on the AQA website.

A Level Specification

Sport and Active Leisure are two of the biggest growing sectors in the UK economy. There has been substantial growth since the 1990s and it shows no signs of abating. Sport is annually worth an estimated £8 billion to the UK economy, with a vast workforce required to run and develop the sector. These roles need to be filled with a workforce that is qualified in areas of exercise and fitness, coaching and leadership, sports development and the outdoors.

The BTEC Level 3 course provides pupils with the opportunity to study these areas and to gain a qualification that is being recognised by more and more Higher Education establishments.

Pupils study a variety of units that cover fitness testing, fitness programming and the effects of exercise on the body, sports nutrition, anatomy and physiology, current issues and health & lifestyle. These units are taught and assessed through a range of methods including power points, interviews, presentations, posters, teaching and coaching lessons.

An ability to work independently, be well organised and utilise research techniques, are highly necessary skills for success in BTEC. Further details can be found on the Edexcel website.

Our BTEC qualification offers a two year programme and a more practical course that focuses on small business and entrepreneurs. There are two examined units on the BTEC course and two which are internally assessed through coursework. All BTECs will include examined units by 2021. The course involves four areas of study:

Year One - Extended Certificate

• Unit 1: Anatomy & Physiology (exam)
• Unit 5: Application of Fitness Testing

Year Two - Extended Certificate

• Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing 
• Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry

BTEC Specification

Head of Department
Mr Craig Barrow

Teaching Staff
Mr Henry Eriksson
Mrs Georgina Kingstone