Physical Education / Sports Studies

Course summary

1: Scientific Principles of Physical Education Students will understand the anatomical/structural and physiological/functional roles performed in the identified systems of the body. They will understand how the controlled stress of exercise will affect the systems. The topic will cover how different stresses/types of exercise will bring about both acute responses and chronic adaptations. The principles of Newton’s Three Laws of Motionforce, centre of mass and stability – will also be covered. These are essential to a student’s understanding of how sporting technique and performance can be improved. 2: Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education This component focuses on the psychological factors affecting physical activities and sports. This includes 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. It also includes psychological factors affecting group dynamics and the effects of leadership and stress on performers. 3: Practical Performance Students will be required to perform in one physical activity, in the role of either player/performer or coach. They will be required to demonstrate their skills while under pressure, in conditioned practice and a formal/competitive situation. Students are taught to make relevant and appropriate links between their learning in Components 1 and 2 and use this to benefit their performances in the physical activities. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to: • Perform a range of skills and techniques in physical activity • Make decisions, implement strategies, tactics and/or compositional ideas, and apply knowledge and understanding of rules • Apply knowledge of theories, principles and methods to physical activity and performance.