Physical Education
In PE at Cockermouth School, we aim to provide outstanding Physical Education, School Sport, and Physical Activity (PESSPA). We aim for PE to build the confidence and competence of our students in learning, moving and leading healthy, active lifestyles. We do this by:
- Delivering high quality PE lessons that inspire students to be physically active.
- Developing an understanding of how to improve as performers, leaders, and officials.
- Providing positive experiences through school sport and competition.
The PE department aims for all students to have the opportunity to participate, understand and enjoy physical activity. PE within the school curriculum helps to develop the ‘whole person’ in a unique way. Learning through physical activity encourages many personal and social skills that can be transferred across subjects and, importantly, to life outside of school. The department offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities, giving students a chance to improve, but also for inter-school, district, and county representation.
Key Stage 5
We offer OCR A level PE (H555) at Key Stage 5. This course is 70% theory content and 30% practical and oral analysis (15% each). The range of content on this course ensures that it can help provide access to a wide range of further study.
The course covers a wide breadth of content within the 6 components detailed below:
Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance
Students gain a deeper understanding of key systems in the body and how they react to changes in diet and exercise. They also study the effects of force and motion on the body and how they can be used to our advantage.
There are three topics:
- Applied anatomy and physiology
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics.
Component 02: Psychological factors affecting performance
Students study the 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. They also explore the psychological factors that affect group dynamics and the effects of leadership and stress.
There are two topics:
- Skill acquisition
- Sports psychology.
Component 03: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
This component focuses on the social and cultural factors that have shaped sports over time, and their influences on physical activity. Students consider the impact of hosting a global sporting event such as the Olympic Games, and the influence of modern technology on both the performer and the spectator of contemporary sport.
There are two topics:
- Sport and society
- Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport.
Component 05: Practical performance
Students are assessed in the role of either performer or coach in one practical activity. They are required to demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions. We advise that students who undertake this course to be pursuing their sport outside of school.
Component 06: Evaluating and analysing performance for improvement (EAPI)
Students are also assessed in the Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI). They observe a live or recorded performance by a peer and provide an oral analysis and critical evaluation of their peer’s performance.
Further information about the A Level PE Specification can be found using the following link:
AS and A Level - Physical Education - H155, H555 (from 2016) - OCR