Sport Science

The Sport Science programme aims to complement the overall educational plan of the School where pupils are encouraged to think for themselves, to think of others and to think deeply.

The Sport Science course offers the pupils the opportunity to:

• Develop an in depth understanding and knowledge of the subject content
• Stimulate an interest in physiology, psychology and social aspects of sport, leading to an ability to relate the theory aspects of the course to the pupils practical performance and sport in general
• Develop an understanding of functional anatomy and exercise physiology which will enable the pupils to relate to their own and others sporting performances
• Understand the intricacies of skill acquisition and the psychological aspects of elite sport
• Build up a broad knowledge and understanding of the world of sport in the past and in the present. To be able to have intelligent views on many of the current topics being discussed in sport
• To develop an understanding of how to plan, perform and evaluate their own performance and that of others in a variety of sports and training situations 

Head of Department: Mr R C Sutton

GCSE

Aims
The course is designed to enable Stoics with a particular interest in physical education and sport to gain a deeper understanding of the subject both at a practical and theoretical level. It is hoped that through the enjoyment of taking part in physical activities, their continuance will be encouraged in adult life.

AQA Assessment Objectives
The examination will assess ability to demonstrate:

• Physical performance, including an ability to interrelate planning, performing and evaluating whilst undertaking activity;
• Analysis and improvement of their own and others' performance;
• Knowledge and understanding of the factors affecting performance;
• Knowledge and understanding of the health and safety aspects of physical activity, including the advantages and risks associated with a range of training strategies and techniques;
• Knowledge and understanding of the reasons for participating in physical activity.

Assessment

Paper 1: Written Paper, 2 hours (weighting 40%)

Coursework: Practical Performance (weighting 60%)

Paper 1: Written Paper
Assessments are made on the knowledge of factors affecting performance and participation in physical activity through structured questions.

Section A:  Health, fitness and factors affecting performance

Section B:  Principles of training

Section C:  Factors affecting individual performance and participation

Section D:  Social and cultural factors affecting participation

Coursework: Practical Performance
Assessment is on performance of four practical activities chosen from at least two of the groups shown below, including at least one game activity.

Group 1:  Basketball; Cricket; Hockey; Rugby; Badminton; Squash; Table Tennis; Tennis; Football; Netball; Lacrosse; Water Polo

Group 2:  Athletics; Cross-country,

Group 3:  Competitive Swimming; Life-saving; Personal Survival

Group 4:  Skiing; Sailing; Cycling; Horse Riding

Group 5:  Gymnastics

Group 6:  Dance; Ice Dance

Group 7:  Golf; Judo; Rowing or Sculling

In addition, Stoics will plan, perform and evaluate a detailed, health-related training programme designed to improve their performance in a sport of their choice.

A level

Sport Science is one of the fastest growing A-Level subjects in the country. The course has been run here at Stowe for seven years, with over sixty boys and girls currently studying for the A-Level exams.

Requirements for A-Level candidates:
- A deep interest in sport in its broadest sense.
- A high level of sporting ability is an advantage, but certainly not a necessity.
- B grades in Science and English GCSEs


Candidates will study the following areas:

1. Physiological Aspects:

In this section of the course the students learn about the body and
 

how it is affected by exercise and training. Topics at AS include anatomy, the muscular system and the mechanics of movement, nutrition for sport, sports injuries, a study of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the components of fitness and how to test them. At A2, the following are covered at greater depth: the physiology of muscles, casues of fatigue and recovery, physiology
of elite athletes, the energy systems and biomechanics.

2. Psychological Aspects:

At AS this section leads to an understanding of how psychological factors affect performance, how skills are learnt and improved and how information is processed, as well as the most effective methods of practice. At A2, the ways in which the mind can affect the performance for elite sportspeople are considered, with topics including group dynamics, leadership, stress management, agression and personalities.

3. Historical, Social and Cultural Aspects:

At AS the students study the influence of sport on society. The effects of acism, gender inequalities, class issues and disabled performers in modern sport are investigated. At A2, the effect of the following on sport following are considered: commercialism, media, professionalism, drugs, talent identification and hooliganism. The Olympic games are studied in depth.

4. Coursework

In this section the candidates investigate the factors which improve performance through practical demonstration. Marks are awarded for your standard of participation in one sport. The candidates will also need to analyse, understand and correct areas of weakness in their play by applying the physiological, psychological and cultural aspects learnt in the theory course.
 

Careers
Due to the broad nature of the subject, there are several potential career opportunities such as sport science, physiotherapy, sports organisation and management, teaching/coaching, media, business, sports marketing, or as a performer.