Physical Education

Participation and Kit

Physical Education is a compulsory and important part of the school curriculum.

For health, safety and freedom of movement, pupils must wear the appropriate PE kit.

The appropriate kit is:-

INDOORS Clean sports trainers, shorts or sports leggings and t-shirt/sports top – no strappy tops.

OUTDOORS Indoor kit or tracksuit allowed and outdoor trainers or football boots depending on activity. A towel is advisable.
Alcohol, cigarette or gambling advertising is not allowed on any clothing.

Pupils must provide a complete change of clothing for PE and not use part of their uniform as PE kit. Please note that plimsoll footwear designed for fashionable purposes are not suitable for PE, e.g. Converse and Vans. Proper training shoes that support the ankle and sole of the foot must be worn. Laces must be tied in order to support the ankle.

PLEASE NOTE

All pupils are expected to get changed into PE kit (including those with a minor injury). This will allow your child to be included in the lesson and for their learning to continue to develop. For example, this might involve them carrying out different roles as a referee, scorekeeper, timekeeper or photographer.

Parental notes to excuse a child from PE are no longer expected. Instead pupils are encouraged to speak to their PE teacher about the reasons why they are unable to participate fully. Obviously, exceptions will be made for pupils with major injuries that would prevent them from changing into PE kit, e.g. a broken leg.

Pupils must always bring the appropriate PE kit for all lessons. Failure to do so will result in pupils being issued with freshly laundered PE kit supplied by the department

For health and safety reasons watches and all items of jewellery must be removed. Long hair must also be tied back. Asthma sufferers must have their inhalers with them at all times.

Should anyone have difficulty in providing PE kit, they should contact the school and we will try to help.

We look forward to your cooperation.

Galashiels Academy PE Staff

Core PE S1-S3

From S1 to S3 learners all participate in core PE following the Curriculum for Excellence guidelines. We offer a wide range of contexts for learning so that pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and performance skills that are required to improve their confidence in participating in sporting activities and prepare them for National and Higher qualifications. The areas of learning fall into 4 main categories:

Part of this course is also to establish transferable skills that allow learners to become consistent performers and develop breadth and depth which will challenge their overall knowledge and understanding of this subject. The four main skills for learning developed in core PE are:

Pupils are asked to continually reflect on these and identify strengths and areas to improve of themselves and others through teacher-learner discussions, peer work and learning logs.

Core PE S4-S5

The emphasis at this stage is on personal choice as pupils decide which activity they would like to participate in for 6 week blocks throughout the year. Independent learning is promoted whereby pupils have additional control over how lessons progress and responsibility in leading practices and officiating games.

A large focus is placed on enjoyment in both cooperative and competitive environments. As with S1 to S3 the same ‘skills for learning’ are developed and enhanced through a range of learning contexts including team games, racket and striking games, fitness and athletics and dance.

S1 Options (1 Period Per Week)

This course is focused on developing cognitive skills, body awareness, movement patterns, hand-eye coordination and teamwork through a variety of learning contexts. Learners are motivated to develop their performance independently, with partners and in small groups and reflect on their improvement of specific skills throughout the block.

A wide range of activities are offered through this course as the focus is on the ability to transfer generic skills and develop better overall body control and performance of skills.

The main ‘skills for learning’ reflect heavily on physical competencies and cognitive skills as pupils develop their abilities to perform increasingly more complex whole body skills that require the brain to work effectively and quickly.

S2 Options (2 Periods Per Week)

This course looks at a sports education model whereby learners take on specific roles in set teams. These include responsibilities such as manager, coach, captain, umpire/referee, and statistician that sports teams all include. We offer this learning experience through team games such as Basketball, Netball and Hockey although we use other team games depending on available facilities.

The main ‘skills for learning’ are reflect heavily on personal qualities and cognitive skills and pupils are asked to analyse their own and others effectiveness when playing and develop ways to make improvements through additional practice and changing of tactics.

S3 Elective Courses (Life Skills Through Sport & Performance and Analysis)

Life Skills Through Sport (1 Period Per Week)

Pupils will participate in a variety of activities with an emphasis on developing many life skills, these include:

Leadership
Decision Making
Team Work
Effective Communication
Co-operation
Organisation

Topics that are covered during the course are:

Physical Fitness and how it effects your performance
Different Roles and Responsibilities for various activities
Coaching sessions
- Pupils learn the qualities that are needed to be an effective coach
- Pupils create a lesson plan for their chosen activity and skills
- Pupils organise their equipment and facility
- Coach their lesson to their peers

Introduction to National 4 / 5:

Looking at terminology in National 4 / 5
Going through a Development Plan
Organise a Tournament for an activity of their choice
Games Making

Course Skills

Leadership, Decision Making, Team Work, Effective Communication, Co-operation

Performance and Analysis (PA) (2 Periods Per Week)

Entry requirements

Pupils must have an interest in physical education and shown enthusiasm throughout S1 and S2 PE. A high participation record from S1 and S2 is also essential.

Pupils will participate in at least 3 activities throughout the year. There will be an element of choice for each block.

Each block will look at different Factors and how they impact on your performance. This will be done through practical lessons mostly but classroom lessons will be required to reinforce some of the knowledge taught. Homework will be given out when required and there will be a written assessment at the end of each block.

The course is practical in nature and has been an enjoyable experience for previous pupils based on the feedback we have received from them. The course is designed to be a natural stepping stone for those looking to take National physical education.

Course Skills

Leadership, Decision Making, Team Work, Communication, Co-operation, Applying, Investigating, Analysing and Evaluating.

Senior PE Working Group

This is a short course (2 periods a week) based around volunteering.

Pupils would be expected to volunteer their time in:

Promoting and publicising achievements
Organising events
Producing a Health and Well-being newsletter for 2015-16

Pupils selecting the course will be able to include specific examples of their volunteering experience on their CV’s. This will be acknowledged by the PE department providing it is accurate.

Entry Requirement – You must speak to Mr Forrest prior to selecting this course.

Senior Rugby Choice (Rugby Academy)

This would be an opportunity for S5/6 pupils with a keen interest in rugby and/or sports coaching to further develop their Practical skills, Physical competencies and Knowledge and understanding of the game. Rugby Academy runs for 2 periods per week.

This shall be done through:-

Practical skills development sessions
Strength and conditioning sessions
Individual and team performance video analysis
Development of pupils coaching abilities
Nutritional and hydration sessions
Self-reflection and goal setting
The development of a winning mind-set

This course would aim to develop the pupils overall rugby performance; their physical fitness and conditioning; their initiative to work on their own strengths and weaknesses in order to improve and we would also look for the pupil to develop their own ability to coach younger rugby players in the school, eventually taking responsibility for small groups and specialist skill sessions. Pupils would also develop leadership and communication skills through gaining a level 1 rugby referee certificate and a basic first aid certificate (delivered through BSLT).

Pupils interested in choosing this course must speak to Mr Bertram.

National 4 Physical Education

AWARD : NATIONAL 4

ENTRY TO COURSE

Learners must have a good previous record of participation and effort in all activities. It would be beneficial if prior to this course learners had experienced a Physical Education elective in S3. However, this is not essential; entry to the course will be at the discretion of the PE department.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The main purpose of the Course is to demonstrate and develop movement and performance skills. By engaging in physical activities, learners can demonstrate initiative, decision making and problem solving.

A typical week will consist of a mixture of theory and practical.

Learners should be aware that final grading consists of both Theory and Practical work.

Physical Education: Performance Skills (National 4)

This unit will provide learners with the opportunity to develop a range of movement and performance skills. Students will typically experience 4 activities during this course. There will be an element of personalisation and choice.

Physical Education: Factors Impacting on Performance (National 4)

In this unit learners will explore and develop their knowledge of factors that impact on performance in physical activities. Learners will record, monitor and reflect on their own performance.

Added Value Unit: Physical Education: Performance (National 4)

The general aim of this Unit is to enable learners to provide evidence of added value for the National 4 Physical Education Course. Learners will prepare for and carry out a performance, which will allow them to demonstrate challenge and application. This unit will also assess the learners ability to apply knowledge, understanding and skills from across all units.

National 5 Physical Education

AWARD : NATIONAL 5

ENTRY TO COURSE

Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by the following or by equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

National 4 Physical Education Course or relevant component Units

Learners should have a good previous record of participation and effort in all activities offered in this subject.

COURSE STRUCTURE

A typical week will consist of a mixture of theory and practical.

Learners should be aware that final grading consists of both Theory and Practical work.

Physical Education: Performance Skills (National 5)

Physical Education: Factors Impacting on Performance (National 5)

In this unit learners will explore and develop their knowledge of factors that impact on performance in physical activities. Learners will record, monitor and reflect on their own performance.

Course Assessment (Portfolio)

The course assessment involves both a performance in one activity and the completion of a written portfolio. National 5 students will be expected to perform skills under pressure. Students must demonstrate that they can apply the theoretical knowledge that underpins their performance. The final portfolio of written work is assessed by the SQA.

New Higher Physical Education

AWARD: HIGHER

ENTRY TO COURSE

Pupils should have a positive record within the PE department in their participation and effort in all activities.

Gain an A at National 5 Physical Education.

Pupils will benefit from a National 5 English grade to help in the writing of exam answers.

COURSE OUTLINE

In this Course, learners are provided with the opportunity to build physical competencies, improve aspects of fitness, and maximise activity in and enjoyment of physical activities.

The Course will give learners the opportunity to develop and enhance movement and performance skills and to develop and apply knowledge and understanding to the analysis and evaluation of performance in physical activities. Learners will develop their thinking skills through planning, problem-solving and analysing performance.

The main purpose of this Course is to develop and demonstrate a broad and comprehensive range of complex skills in challenging contexts. Learners will develop the ability to use strategies to make appropriate decisions for effective performance. They will also analyse a performance, looking specifically at the impact of mental, emotional, social and physical factors, understand what is required to develop it and then apply this knowledge to their own performance.

Homework will be issued regularly to reinforce learning in class.

ASSESSMENT

Practical - 60%

This is a one off performance, where the pupil is graded on their abilities during a competitive environment. This is a total of 60 marks, which is broken up into 40 marks for performance, and the other 20 marks are based on a written task.

End of Year Exam - 40%

Practical Performance Unit

All pupils must pass the various practical components during their performances throughout the year in class and in at least 2 different activities.

Factors Impacting on Performance (FIP)

All pupils must pass this assessment in order to be put forward to the final exam.