KS4 Syllabus
There are three schemes of work at Key Stage 4. All Year 10 and 11 complete a Compulsory Physical Education course, which simply provides an opportunity for students to participate in sports and remain healthy. This does not give a GCSE in PE.
The alternative route is four students to choose GCSE Physical Education or GCSE Dance as a GCSE option.
Compulsory Physical Education
All students continue with their Physical Education throughout Year 10 and Year 11 when the scope of the programme is widened to try to meet their varied needs. An element of choice are introduced. The choice is varied but students are expected to choose activities, which cover the requirement of the National Curriculum.
Regardless of the activity chosen it is hoped that each individual will develop the following areas:
Enjoyment
Confidence
Healthy, active lifestyle.
Stamina, suppleness and strength
Commitment
Thinking and decision making
Understanding
Participation
Skills – including leadership
Desire to improve.
Participation is obviously an important part of the curriculum but there are many other roles that students can be involved in even when ill or injured and they are encouraged to bring their kit to every lesson. A sound knowledge and understanding of fitness and health becomes even
more important as does an awareness of sporting opportunities available in the community and post-16. Competitions and inter-form tournaments are held in many sports for all students. There is also the opportunity for pupils who attend practices and clubs to represent St. Joseph’s in interschool fixtures. Many out of hours learning opportunities continue throughout Key Stage 4 and all students are encouraged to attend at lunchtime and after school.
GCSE Physical Education
The GCSE Physical Education course is an in-depth study into physical activity and its influences on health, fitness and participation. It is based on a combination of practical and theory work.
Assessment
The physical education course is broken down into two different units.
(1) The theory of Physical Education – This is assessed through a written exam set by Edexcel at the end of the two year course.
(2) Performance in Physical Education – This is split into two different sections which will be assessed through controlled assessments marked by staff within school:
- Practical Performance
- Analysis of Performance
PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE (48%) – each pupil must follow a course in at least 4 different practical activities. These must be selected from at least two different activity areas of the National Curriculum. Each activity will be marked out of 10 using set guidelines. They will be continually
assessed throughout the course and will culminate in a controlled assessment in March/April of the final year.
ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE (12%) – You will also have to specialise in one activity where you have the knowledge and ability to talk about it in depth, and the ability to observe others perform and to help them improve. You also have to be able to devise a Personal Exercise Programme in order to improve your own performance. This is classed as your Analysis of Performance and is worth 10% of your final marks.
THEORY (40%) – one written exam paper at the end of the course. The syllabus is split into two distinct areas:
- Healthy, active lifestyles
- Your healthy, active body
Pupils should be competent performers or officials in their chosen practical areas and should ideally have an interest in the way the human body is affected by sport and the health and fitness issues associated with it.
Career Possibilities
Some ideas for a career in sport include:
Sports Development, Physiotherapist, Teaching Physical Education, Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Professional Sportsperson, Sports Facilities Manager, Leisure Management, Physical Training Instructor in the Armed Forces, Journalism, Retail Management, Sports Management.
GCSE Dance
This GCSE is made up of assessment in three different areas and is only suitable for those pupils who have a considerable amount of ability within this area. This course would also require attendance at extra-curricular dance events.
The course itself is made up of three different areas:
1 WRITTEN PAPER which is worth 20% of the final marks. This is a 2 hour exam which takes place at the end of the two year course and is based on short and extended answer questions.
2 SET STUDY – this is also worth 20% of the final marks and consists of a practical examination of a specific dance set by the exam board.
3 PERFORMANCE & CHOREOGRAPHY – this is worth 60% of the final mark and is split into 3 separate areas. These are:
- Performance of a Duo or Group Dance (20%)
- Choreography (30%)
- Expanded Programme Note (10%) – written notes on the elements detailed above.
The elements within this section are all classed as coursework and will be internally assessed.
Career Possibilities in Dance
Some ideas for a career in dance include:
Choreographer, Theatre, Teaching Physical Education, Dance Coaching, Sports Science, Professional Dancer, Dance Historian.