Physical Education and Sports Science - Hurstpierpoint College

Physical Education and Sports Science

Physical Education (PE) A-level is an academically challenging and diverse course, requiring students to use a variety of skills not found in any other stand-alone subject. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Business and History are all applied and studied within the medium of sport, with emotional and social skill development underpinning all lessons for each individual.

PE is integrated within the curriculum at Hurst and our aim is to ensure that students learn in a safe environment where they are encouraged to take risks, whether that be working collaboratively in gymnastics or individually in the swimming pool. The central theme is to promote a lifelong involvement in physical activity.

Students will leave the course as confident leaders and lifelong learners, who have been stretched and challenged on a regular basis; able to organise, manage and communicate under pressure. They will have developed highly cognitive, independent, critical thinking skills and will have been required to use their initiative and resourcefulness on a regular basis.

Courses

As our students move into the Sixth Form they can continue to follow their passion for sport by opting for A-level Physical Education or a BTEC in Sport Studies.

Physical Education A-level

A-level Physical Education is a diverse course which looks in depth at the physiological, psychological, technological and sociological aspects that influence sport. This ranges from the physiology factors that enabled Usain Bolt to run 100m in 9.58s, to the influence of the Olympic movement on participation at grass roots level. Students will be assessed in three exam papers and on their own practical ability for their chosen sport. We follow the OCR specification.

Sport Studies BTEC

The Sport Studies BTEC course is for students wishing to study sport-related degrees at university and/or wishing to pursue a career in the sports industry. Sports Studies allows students to look at the slightly broader aspects of sport in society and the main aspects of the course include physiology, training and fitness, coaching, sports psychology and developing training programmes for both the elite and novice participant. Students are expected to be committed to improving their coaching skills, fitness and practical performance and sports science knowledge.

Sport Studies is a coursework-based option where students develop excellent research and presentation skills to show their understanding and gain credit towards their final grade. The qualification has been designed as part of a two-year programme, and is normally taken in conjunction with a single A-level. The course qualification is a BTEC National Sport Level 3 Diploma. It carries UCAS points and is equivalent to two A-levels.

Co-curricular opportunities

Hurst offers an extensive range of co-curricular sporting options to all students. Sports include; Athletics, Badminton, Climbing, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Mountain Biking, Netball, Rugby, Pilates, Squash, Swimming , Tennis, Triathlon and Water Sports. To find out more visit our co-curricular sports page.

      Facilities

      Hurst has an extensive range of sports facilities which are ideal for PE and Sports Studies students. These include three full-sized and floodlit AstroTurf pitches, a full-sized sports hall, a 25m indoor heated swimming pool, netball courts, tennis courts, senior-sized and junior-sized rugby pitches, cricket pitches and nets, two fitness suites and a full-sized 400m grass athletics track with hurdles and sprints tracks, throwing area and jumping run-ups. For more information see our facilities page.

      Higher Education and career opportunities

      We are extremely proud of all of our students who have graduated through all levels of PE. Many have gone onto higher education courses in sports or in other fields at university. Studying PE at this level can lead to a large variety of university courses such as Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Fitness and Rehabilitation and Sport Management and Coaching.

      These courses can also lead to careers in physiotherapy, coaching, diet and fitness instructing, teaching and professional sports careers.