Physical Education

The academic Physical Education department at Cranleigh offers GCSE PE in Years 10 and 11; this qualification leads well to either of the two courses on offer in the Sixth Form: A Level Physical Education, and the BTEC Extended Certificate in Sport.

The theoretical components of all of these courses are delivered by specialist academic PE teachers who have a vast range of experience. All three courses also include a practical component and many of the pupils who take these courses have reached high standards in one or more of our school sports. These academic qualifications can complement the pupils’ understanding of the physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of their performance, as well as, in the Sixth Form, preparing them for work in the sport/leisure industry.

Lower School

The OCR GCSE in Physical Education which we offer has a 60/40 percent split between theory and practical assessment. The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for the pupils at Cranleigh. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to develop their own performance in sport, as well as develop their understanding of sociocultural influences on participation in sport and the the benefits of physical activity to health, fitness and well-being. GCSE PE includes the compulsory study of: Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Training, Sports Psychology, Socio-cultural Influences and Health, Fitness and Well-being. Students perform, and then through academic study, learn how to improve their performance through the application of the theory. They learn the reasons why athletes do certain things in sport and why some out-perform others – both mentally and physically. They also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs in sport and gain an understanding of the consequences of inactivity and poor diet.

Alongside the theory are the practical skills of PE, these are examined via the Non Exam Assessment (NEA) component; students will perform in three different sports, as well as completing an analysis and evaluation task which culminates in the students preparing an action plan to improve their skills and fitness levels.

The GCSE PE course is ideal for students who want to go on to study A Level Physical Education or BTEC Extended Certificate in Sport (equivalent to one A level ), and/or move on into higher education or any career for which an understanding of the human body or human behaviour is desirable.

Upper School

This course is well suited to pupils who not only play sport to school level or above, but also have an interest in the wider aspects of sport and physical activity. We follow the OCR Physical Education course which has a 70/30 split between theory and practical. The theory side of the course is split into three components:

Component 1: Physiological Factors Affecting Performance

This group of topics focuses on key systems of the human body involved in movement and physical activity. You will develop their knowledge and understanding of the changes within these body systems prior to exercise, during exercise of differing intensities, and during recovery. Application of this theoretical knowledge will enable you to understand how changes in physiological states can influence performance in physical activities and sport. You will be expected to be able to interpret data and graphs relating to changes in these body systems during exercise of differing intensities and during recovery. The assessment for this component is in the form of a two-hour written examination at the end of the Upper Sixth year.

Component 2: Psychological Factors Affecting Performance

This component focuses on the psychological factors affecting physical activities and sports, including: models and theories that affect learning and performance in physical activities; how different methods of training and feedback work and why their effectiveness differs from person to person; group dynamics and the effects of leadership and stress on performers. Through the study of this component you will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying psychological factors that influence our performance in physical activity and sport. You will learn how to apply the theories to practical examples, giving guidance and feedback in constructive ways that are suited to that individual’s personality; therefore assisting in developing practical performance in physical activities and sports. The assessment for this component is in the form of a one-hour written examination at the end of the Upper Sixth year.

Component 3: Socio-cultural and Contemporary Issues

This component focuses on the sociological and contemporary factors that influence and affect physical activity and sport. Pupils will learn to consider the impact of this from the perspective of a spectator, performer and its implications on society. It includes the emergence and evolution of modern sport and how social and cultural factors shaped the characteristics of sports and pastimes in pre-industrial and post-industrial Britain. The impact of the modern Olympic Games will be studied as well as the impact on society of hosting global sporting events. The ever-evolving modern technology and its influence on sport performers and spectators will be researched and practical examples will be used by candidates to show the effect of modern technology. The assessment for this component is in the form of a one-hour written examination at the end of the Upper Sixth year.

The Non Examination Assessment (NEA) side of the course (which makes up 30% of the final mark) involves performance or coaching of one sport or activity alongside Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI) of a sport. For the EAPI candidates give a verbal response to a performance of a peer which should identify and justify the major area of weakness within the performance to prioritise for improvement and propose a long term (2-3 months) development plan to improve the area of performance identified.

As you can see the content of the A level course is wide ranging and interesting. The time spent in the classroom is greater than the GCSE course, due to the depth of theoretical knowledge required. The practical aspect of the course is done through the pupils’ sports sessions which they take part in all year round and a member of the PE department supports them with their assessment. A number of our students have gone on to follow courses in Sports Science, Sports Coaching or Leisure Management at university.