INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
The course is led by the Physical Education Department, co-ordinated and managed by Mr R O’Callaghan (course leader and lead internal verifier). The course was introduced to capitalise on a very highly motivated group of students within core Physical Education. It should provide a sound educational base to enable each student to progress either to a BTEC Level 3, A/S levels or to employment within the sports and leisure industry.
The course offers an alternative to GCSE Physical Education, catering for a wider range of individual needs. It is intended that the BTEC Level 1 / Level 2 First Award in Sport will use each student’s skills and enthusiasm in sport, to develop an awareness and interest in leisure, health, safety and science, which underpins much of the sporting industry.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The course is taught in units and has core and optional units. The Edexcel BTEC Level 1 / Level 2 First Award in Sport is a 120 guided learning hour (GLH) qualification (equivalent in teaching time to one GCSE).
| Edexcel BTEC Level 1 / Level 2 First Award in Sport; | ||
| Core Units | Assessment method | GLH |
| Fitness for sport and exercise | External | 30 |
| Practical sports performance | Internal | 30 |
| Optional specialist units | ||
| Mind & Sports Performance | Internal | 30 |
| Training for Personal Fitness | Internal | 30 |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for entry onto the course you must fulfil the following entry requirements:
- A proven interest in the study of physical education and sport.
- A commitment to develop your knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology in sport.
COURSE AIMS
- To give all students the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification that can be used when applying either for Post-16 education or employment.
- To provide a sound, intellectually demanding vocational learning experience.
- To use the motivating interest in sport to promote academic learning.
- To develop and extend the students practical sporting skills in a range of activities.
- The course will provide opportunities for the students to be aware of and to develop personal qualities of leadership, responsibility, appearance, commitment and teamwork in a range of practical and academic situations.
- To build upon the foundation of the National Curriculum in PE. It will extend the students’ knowledge of factors that affect a performance of a practical skill.
COURSE IMPLEMENTATION
TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES
The course is student centred. Students learn through investigation and active involvement. They have a big responsibility for their own learning. Units are taught through ‘learning outcomes’ and each assignment will concentrate on testing and extending the students’ knowledge in one or more of the outcomes. The tutor will act as a learning resource for the students, offering advice and guidance as to how to approach the work. Nevertheless, the course team recognise, maintain and support the use of traditional teaching methods where appropriate throughout the course
ASSESSMENT
METHODS
All units consist of a set of formal assessment tasks/assignments. The range of tasks will include:
- Experimental reports
- Interviews
- Investigative research
- Practical assessments
- Individual and group presentations
- On screen test
Internally assessed units will be marked by the tutor who then awards a grade based on the evidence that the learner has presented. A selection of learners’ work is then chosen for an internal verification process.
The externally assessed unit consists of an onscreen test which is set and marked by Edexcel. The assessment must be taken by the learner under examination conditions and will last for 1 hour.
GRADING
The level of attainment will be marked individually for each unit of the course, in line with BTEC guidelines. The grades will be:
| Points per grade per 10 guided learning hours | ||||
| Unclassified | Level 1 | Level 2 Pass | Level 2 Merit | Level 2 Distinction |
| 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
An overall grade is awarded for the qualification, based on the performance in each unit
| Award (120 GLH) | |
| Grade | Minimum points required |
| Unclassified | 0 |
| Level 1 | 24 |
| Level 2 Pass | 48 |
| Level 2 Merit | 66 |
| Level 2 Distinction | 84 |
| Level 2 Distinction* | 90 |