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Why study Physical Education?
Physical Education gives you the opportunity to develop sports performance skills in physical activities. You will develop your movement ability by taking part in team games and solo activities. You will learn about the link between fitness and good health. It is particularly suitable for those who love physical activity and enjoy learning in practical ways.
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:
What will I study?
Physical Education is a practical subject that develops your physical movement and performance skills. You may experience a range of activities such as indoor and outdoor team games, racquet sports, fitness related activities, athletics and swimming. You will learn how to reflect on and develop your performance.
The course has two compulsory units. The units are similar to those for National 4 but you will be expected to work to a higher standard.
Physical Education: Performance Skills (9 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop your range of movement and performance skills
- learn how to select, use, demonstrate and adapt these skills
- develop consistency in control and fluency during movement to enable you to perform safely and effectively.
Physical Education: Factors Impacting on Performance (9 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop your understanding of the factors that affect physical performance
- consider the effects of mental, emotional, social and physical factors on performance
- learn how to plan for, monitor, record and evaluate the process of personal performance.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
Both units will be assessed internally by your teacher or lecturer as 'pass' or 'fail'. Your work will be assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- practical work - performance of a physical activity
- research assignments and reports
- projects.
Units do not contribute to your overall grade but to achieve the course qualification, you will need to pass both units plus a course assessment.
The course assessment for this course consists of two components:
- performance (60 marks)
- portfolio (40 marks).
The performance component is internally marked by your school or college. It will be externally verified by SQA.
The portfolio component will be set and externally marked by SQA.
The course assessment is graded A-D.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Physical Education (National 5)