BTEC Sport
Exam Board:
Pearson
What will I study on the course:
You will gain a practical introduction to the sport and physical activity sector, exploring how it operates and developing skills relevant to participation, coaching, and fitness. Key components include:
- Component 1: Understanding the Sport and Physical Activity Sector – Investigating different types of sport/physical activity providers (e.g., clubs, gyms, schools), equipment/technology used, barriers to participation, and how organisations support involvement.
- Component 2: Planning and Leading Sports and Physical Activity Sessions – Learning principles of training, fitness components, nutrition, psychology for performance, and planning/delivering safe, effective sessions (including warm-ups, cool-downs, and adaptations for different participants).
- Component 3: Developing Fitness to Improve Other Participants’ Performance in Sport and Physical Activity – Applying knowledge to design and implement fitness training programmes, conducting fitness tests, analysing results, and evaluating improvements in performance. The course combines theory with hands-on practical activities (e.g., leading sessions, fitness testing), emphasising real-world application, safety, inclusivity, and the benefits of sport for health and wellbeing.
How is the course assessed:
A mix of internal and external assessment (graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* at Level 2, or Level 1 equivalents; no traditional GCSE tiers):
- Component 1: Understanding the Sport and Physical Activity Sector – Internally assessed (Pearson-set assignment/coursework), 30% – Portfolio exploring providers, participation, and equipment.
- Component 2: Planning and Leading Sports and Physical Activity Sessions – Internally assessed (Pearson-set assignment/coursework), 30% – Planning and delivering practical sessions, with evidence from observations and reflections.
- Component 3: Developing Fitness to Improve Other Participants’ Performance in Sport and Physical Activity – Externally assessed (synoptic supervised task or exam, typically 1 hour 30 minutes), 40% – Designing and evaluating fitness programmes based on scenarios. Total guided learning hours: 120. Assessments focus on practical application, with portfolios including plans, evidence of delivery, and evaluations.
Post-16 courses:
Level 3 BTEC National in Sport (equivalent to A Levels), T Levels in Sport, Coaching & Fitness or Management & Administration, apprenticeships (e.g., sports coach, fitness instructor), or A Levels in Physical Education or Biology. A good grade supports progression to college/sixth form for sport, coaching, or related pathways.
Careers:
Sports coach, fitness instructor/personal trainer, PE teacher, sports development officer, physiotherapist, sports therapist, leisure centre manager, outdoor activities instructor, or roles in professional sport, youth clubs, or community fitness programmes. The UK sport and fitness sector is growing, with opportunities in schools, clubs, gyms, and elite performance.
Specific advantages:
This vocational course is highly practical and engaging, with lots of hands-on sport, fitness testing, and leading sessions – ideal for students who love physical activity over pure theory. It builds employable skills early (e.g., planning, leadership, communication), suits those aiming for sport-related careers, and often involves real participants for authentic experience. At Discovery Academy, with its strong sporting reputation and wide variety of sports available at lunch/after school, it fits the vocational options perfectly, helping build confidence and relevance in a supportive environment.
How useful it is in the real world:
Extremely useful – sport and physical activity are vital for health, wellbeing, and community life, with the UK sector offering diverse jobs amid growing focus on fitness. The course provides practical skills in session planning, fitness training, and leadership, directly relevant to coaching, training, or employment. It builds transferable skills like teamwork, organisation, motivation, and analysis, valued across industries. With strong demand for qualified professionals in sport, leisure, and education, BTEC Sport boosts employability, supports apprenticeships or further study, and promotes personal health awareness for a dynamic, active career.
Physical Education
Exam Board:
OCR
What will I study on the course:
GCSE Physical Education combines practical sport performance with theoretical understanding of how the body works, how sport is organised, and how performance can be improved. The course develops physical ability, sports knowledge, and analysis skills.
You will study two main areas:
Component 1 & 2: Physical Factors and Socio-Cultural Influences (Theory)
You will learn about the science and theory behind physical activity and sport, including:
- Applied anatomy and physiology – muscles, bones, joints, movement, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- Movement analysis – levers, planes, axes, and biomechanics
- Physical training – components of fitness, principles of training, training methods, and how to design training programmes
- Sports psychology – motivation, goal setting, confidence, and mental preparation
- Socio-cultural influences – participation trends, barriers to sport, ethics, drugs in sport, and the role of media
- Health, fitness, and wellbeing – benefits of exercise and how lifestyle impacts performance
Component 3: Performance in Physical Education (Practical)
You will be assessed practically in three sports:
- One team activity
- One individual activity
- One free choice activity
In each activity you will be assessed on:
- Skills and techniques
- Decision making
- Tactical awareness
- Overall performance in competitive situations
You will also complete an analysis and evaluation of performance, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and how performance can be improved.
How is the course assessed:
GCSE PE is assessed through both written exams and practical performance:
Component 1: Physical Factors Affecting Performance
- Written exam – 1 hour
- 30% of final grade
Component 2: Socio-Cultural Influences and Wellbeing
- Written exam – 1 hour
- 30% of final grade
Component 3: Performance in Physical Education
- Practical assessment (3 sports) + analysis and evaluation
- 40% of final grade
Grades are awarded on the GCSE 9–1 scale.
Post-16 courses:
GCSE PE provides excellent progression to:
- A Level Physical Education
- Level 3 BTEC National in Sport
- T Levels in Sport, Coaching, or Health & Science
- Apprenticeships (sports coaching, fitness instructing, leisure operations)
- A good GCSE PE grade supports entry into college, sixth form, or sport-related pathways.
Careers:
GCSE PE is a strong foundation for careers such as:
- PE teacher
- Sports coach
- Personal trainer / fitness instructor
- Physiotherapist or sports therapist
- Sports psychologist
- Sports development officer
- Leisure centre manager
- Professional sport or community sport roles
It also supports careers in health, education, and public services.
Specific advantages:
GCSE PE is ideal for students who enjoy both physical activity and learning about how the body and sport work. It offers:
- A strong balance of practical sport and theory
- Opportunities to perform in sports you enjoy
- Development of discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience
- Strong links to science, biology, and health
At Excel Academy, the wide range of sports available in lessons and extracurricular activities allows students to perform at their best in practical assessments.
How useful it is in the real world:
GCSE PE is highly relevant to real life. It promotes lifelong participation in sport, improves health awareness, and builds transferable skills such as:
- Time management
- Communication
- Analysis and problem solving
- Motivation and confidence
With growing focus on physical and mental wellbeing, GCSE PE supports future study, employment, and an active, healthy lifestyle.
