Exam Board: OCR
Enjoy watching sport on the television? Have a keen interest in a variety of sports? Considering a career in the sports industry? Then this course is for you! By choosing the Cambridge National Sports Studies course, you will be given the opportunity to practically learn the theory behind sport.
Candidates will pursue a course leading to the award of a Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate with distinction, merit or pass. Level 2 Distinction * being the highest and Level 1 pass being the lowest award.
There are three units in total. One of the units (R184: contemporary issues in sport) will be assessed by a 1hr 15min written paper. The two remaining units are assessed internally through the use of written and practical assignments and will cover R185: performance and leadership in sports activities; and R186: Media in sport.
Two of these units are compulsory and one is optional (chosen by the school).
The two mandatory units are: 1. Contemporary issues in sport 2. Performance and leadership in sports activities.
The optional unit is: Sport and media.
Overview of mandatory units:
Contemporary issues in sport: External assessment, Students will explore a range of topical and contemporary issues in sport, including learning about participation levels and barriers to completing sporting activities. Students will also learn how participation is impacted by the promotion of values and ethical behaviour, about the role of high-profile sporting events, the role of national governing bodies and how technology is used in within sport.
Performance and leadership in sports activities: Non examined assessment. Assessed by Kirk Hallam Community Academy, moderated by OCR.
Students will develop their skills both as a performer in two different sporting activities, and as a leader, developing a range of transferable skills. Students will work both independently and as part of a team, including communicating with teammates and being in front of an audience when they perform. Students will perform under pressure (as a participant and as a leader) and will use their initiative to solve problems and make decisions. Finally, students will deal with rapidly changing conditions and situations.
Overview of Optional Unit:
Sport and the media:
Non examined assessment. Assessed by Kirk Hallam Community Academy, moderated by OCR.
Students will explore the different sides of a range of media sources and apply real life examples to show the nature of the relationship between media and sport. Students will also learn how rapid development in technology is enabling sport to be viewed, replayed and discussed whenever and wherever the spectator wants. Students will then evaluate and interpret the different ways in which sport is represented by the media.
Mandatory Units Assessment Contemporary issues in sport 40% of final grade 1 hour 15 minute terminal examination 70 marks OCR-set and marked
Comprises short answer questions, extended response and some multiple-choice questions.
Developing sports skills 40% of final grade OCR-set assignment (coursework) 80 marks Centre-assessed and OCR moderated
Optional Unit Assessment Sport and the Media 20% of final grade OCR-set assignment (coursework) 40 marks Centre-assessed and OCR moderated.
This course can lead onto further sports courses at college/sixth form.
In addition, the successful completion of a Cambridge National in Sports Studies might lead to employment as, for example, a Leisure Centre Assistant, a Sports Coach and other sport-based employment.