GCSE PE

[2Kids2Cats1BigKid]

Hi. My Ds is choosing his options next year and is dead set on taking PE as an option. It looks like he may have a form of dyspraxia (he's being assessed in April) We had parents evening last night and his PE teacher says although he puts 💯 into everything he isn't great at most activities apart from running. His spatial awareness and basic physical skills are quite poor. I didn't have the heart to ask if he thought it would be a viable option for GCSE as I didn't want to upset my ds, bless him. I don't know if children can be discriminated against if they're not the next Ronaldo, but would there be any point in him doing it for an option? I know that a lot of it is theory based but obviously there is some practical. Help!!!

Our school, but I have no reason to think it's just them, will only allow GCSE PE if the child had reached a certain standard in a certain discipline. So county level swimming, running, football rugby etc. those not at that level can take a btech

I would
a) contact PE teacher and ask the question
b) look together at the requirements, and be honest with your DS about his skills
c) find a better option and talk it up
d) dissuade him

DD2 vaguely wondered about Dance GCSE. We spoke with the dance teacher at options evening a couple of weeks ago. I said I had my doubts, as DD has motor skills bottom 1%, poor balance, and no 'background' in dance. Teacher agreed it would be difficult to succeed from that starting point. DD2 accepted it.

otoh, If this is his last option and he'll struggle to find anything else to succeed in, at least he'll be doing a decent amount of exercise with this option.

Same as Crockof, dc’s school only allows students who compete at county level or above to take PE GCSE. Everybody else takes the BTech.

Not all schoold insist on the county standard, DS2's school doesn't offer btec as an alternative.

But he would need to offer three sports, one team and one individual and one either, and I am pretty sure everyone in DS2's group does at least one out of school - eg Ds2 does athletics and football, his mate does athletics, another mate does cricket etc. The school can't cover the practical to the needed standard in house really. Does he do sport out of school?

What else might he do? What sort of grade would he get in that?

I'd be amazed if any school had enough county level performers to run a viable GCSE course.

Especially as you have to show 3 sports

Our school has compulsory BTEC PE which has no minimum sport standards.

Not sure if this is any help but this is the information we received about GCSE PE in DDs Option Booklet when she was in Yr 9 (last year). DD is studying it and enjoys it, but is very sporty and good at Science.

Why study PE?

GCSE PE is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to further their understanding and skill level in sport. It can lead to A-level PE which is a good choice for a range of careers including medicine, physiotherapy and the leisure industry. Learning in PE is centred around physical components alongside learning how the body works, how the mind works in sport, and other influential factors such as Government policies, social groups, religion and disability. Studying PE complements other subjects, as well as developing skills of team work, analysis, and communication.

Is PE for me?

I am enthusiastic and interested in sport and physical activity. I have good skills and understanding in a variety of sports which I would like the opportunity to apply in differing roles such as coaching, performing, organising and officiating. I want to learn about the body systems which contribute to physical performance and want to understand the social factors that influence participation.

What skills will I develop?

 The practical skills and techniques needed for a variety of sports  The ability to evaluate and adapt their own performance and that of others  Communication, leadership, teamwork and organisational skills  Decision making through the application of tactics and strategies  The ability to undertake independent study  The ability to correctly interpret a variety of exam style questions  The determination to succeed
Specification, including board, and assessment

GCSE PE (Single Award) AQA

Subject content: 1. Applied anatomy and physiology 2. Movement analysis

1. Physical training 4. Use of data 5. Sports psychology 6. Socio - cultural influences
2. Health, fitness and wellbeing

Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport Written exam – 1 hour 15 mins – 30% of GCSE grade

Paper 2: Socio – cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport Written exam – 1 hour 15 mins – 30% of GCSE grade

Practical assessment – skills and analysis in three activities 40% of GCSE grade