BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport

Summary 2012/13

• Learn from staff at the forefront of national developments in Physical Education and School Sport;
• Study on a highly successful non-QTS Physical Education and School Sport degree;
• Develop the practical knowledge, skills and understanding to educate through the medium of physical activity;
• Progress onto a PGCE or enter a range of education-based professions including after school, youth and community coaching and youth sport development.

Aligned with current legislation this innovative degree maintains its distinctiveness by preparing students for careers in physical education teaching or in school or youth sport development and delivery. Our experienced teaching team will encourage you to adopt innovative, inspiring and inclusive approaches to working with children within the medium of PE and sport.

2012 Entry Requirements

320 UCAS tariff points overall, preferably to include grade B in Physical Education, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Details

Who is this course for?

If sport and physical education is high on your agenda you'll appreciate our innovative, rounded approach to children's learning and development and the practical application of theory concerning the education of children through physical activity, both in and out of school hours.

What will I gain from this programme?

Our aim is to give you a flying start on your intended career path and arm you with the technical knowledge, organisational and teaching skills you will need, plus a greater understanding of working within structured physical activity.

Through modules which develop practical and theoretical knowledge across the entire length of a child's compulsory schooling and out of school hours learning experiences, you will understand links between the affective, social, cognitive and physical domains central to every child's development.

As a PE / School Sport graduate you will be ideally placed to work in a wide range of employment opportunities requiring the planning, development and delivery of PE and school-based sporting provision. Whenever possible you will be signposted to Sports Coach (UK) courses and encouraged to develop your coaching award portfolio.

How we will support you

The PE/school sport programme has a strong inclusive ethos that provides you with the support and guidance you may need from time to time. Central to this is a personal tutor system that allocates you to specialist teaching staff who will offer academic and pastoral care, linking with the University’s student support services when required. The personal tutor will monitor and track your progress, offering guidance and support if any challenges or difficulties arise.

As a teaching team we aim to provide an inclusive learning experience to help you realise your potential.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will study modules underpinning the provision of safe, inclusive and educational physical activities. The first year modules provide a solid grounding in key areas relevant to PE / School Sport and the introduction of material specific to each named pathway enables you to make informed choices about the vocational focus you wish to pursue within the programme. Students choose to follow either a PE pathway if they intend to teach PE or the Community Sport pathway to work in and develop school or youth sport.

In Year 2 you will develop and refine the skills essential to effective learning in higher education and beyond and apply the areas of physiology, biomechanics and ICT to learning situations related to Physical Education and School Sport. You will also cover the practice of physical education at Key Stage 1-4 in the National Curriculum for Physical Education and select your chosen pathway.

During Year 3 you will undertake modules to explore and examine the place of physical education as a curriculum subject and consider an integrated approach to child development and physical education. You will also be provided with opportunities to enhance your knowledge, skills and understanding of the transfer of pedagogic theory and practice within the medium of inclusive physical activity teaching or working in school/youth sport.

How will I study?

A wide range of methods will be used to help you learn including lectures, seminars and laboratory work, tutorials, workshops, presentations, fieldwork, directed independent study, research and ICT based learning. For each module you will have access to a detailed module booklet that tells you what sessions are about, what to read, how you will be assessed and coursework guidance.

Placement

Physical Education pathway students will study a Pedagogy module and engage in independent school-based active research. School Sport pathway students will undertake a practice-based learning experience and follow a Sport, Young People and Community module. The work based placement enables you to see how theory relates to practice and may help you to plan your future career.

Who will be teaching me?

Our staff are highly experienced and enthusiastic teachers with a real commitment to Physical Education and School Sport. They are at the forefront of national and local developments in the subject and are actively involved in research projects that influence the way PE and school sport develops. They will help you become a caring, reflective and inspirational graduate.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is varied. You will learn to write essays, projects, reports, critically analyse papers, prepare poster presentations, plan/deliver/evaluate teaching and coaching sessions and propose and write a piece of original independent research. We may use formal examinations from time to time, but they never account for more than 50% of the marks for any module.

What are my career prospects?

This degree opens up a broad range of employment opportunities. The non-QTS Physical Education will principally attract those seeking preparation for a PGCE award. Those who choose not to enter teaching will be well equipped for employment in community sport initiatives, youth work, military or police service, the sports industry or allied professional occupations.

Community Sport pathway graduates are well placed to gain employment in a range of areas including multi-skills clubs, out of school hours provision, SSCO and PDM work, school/youth sport development, inclusive community sports coaching, competition management and teaching assistant roles.

Further study at Edge Hill University

Secondary PGCE Physical Education (11-16)

Related Programmes

BSc (Hons) Coach Education

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application. Those with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an open event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask about this course, please contact:

• Graham Smith, Admissions Tutor for sports-related programmes
• Tel. 01695 584694
• Email: smithg@edgehill.ac.uk
• Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

SPT 1620 Personal and Professional Development. This module offers you the opportunity to integrate and develop personal and academic skills related to the study of programmes broadly concerned with sport and physical education. It also introduces the concepts of employability and professionalism in developing your appreciation of the requirements and expectations for future career pathways.

SPT 1621 Science of Movement – Foundation. This module facilitates an introduction to basic elements of physiology, anatomy and biomechanics related to physical activity and exercise. It demonstrates how physical performance is underpinned by scientific principles. The module is designed to apply theory to practice in areas related to teaching and associated fields in the delivery of physical activity to young people.

SPT 1622 Practical Teaching of PE and Sport – Foundation. The focus of the module is the study of education in the physical medium. Through theoretical input and practical sessions, the expectations and requirements of the National Curriculum and school sport provision will be investigated and developed. This will give you a secure foundation upon which to develop understanding of the key concepts and processes implicit in NCPE (DfES/QCA, 2007) and evolving school-based sport initiatives (YST, 2008), and in the fundamentals of inclusive, progressive learning in physical education/sport.

SPT 1623 Safe and Professional Practice in PE and Sport. The position of physical education and sport within society demands an exploration of its suitability for the development and protection of children. The safety of children in physical activity is now high on the agenda of all educational institutions and sport organisations. It is essential for all physical education students to have an awareness of the context and scope of the problem and an understanding of the major issues in this field. The module focuses on a range of issues concerning children and the law.

SPT 1624 PE/Sport in Society. The historical reasons for the inclusion of various forms of physical education within the curriculum and their relationship to the development to education itself provide the basis for this module. The module investigates different concepts involved within Sport and Physical Activity and the role that Physical Education and Sport has within this structure. You will be provided with opportunities to explore the evolution of schooling, social, political and educational influences on curricula and recent developments in both PE and School Sport.

SPT 2620 Personal and Professional Development. This module builds upon the prior learning in the module ‘Personal and Professional Development 1’. It continues to develop and refine key skills essential to effective learning in higher education and beyond. The main focus of the module, however, is to provide you with the opportunity to further understand the concepts of employability and professionalism in developing your appreciation of the requirements and expectations for future career pathways. It will develop skills in reflection and self-promotion, an awareness of available employment opportunities and the application and selection processes you may encounter.

SPT 2621 Science of Movement – Developed. The module applies the areas of Physiology, Biomechanics and ICT to learning situations related to Physical Education and Sport national and examination curricular requirements. It is designed to facilitate your understanding of teaching and learning strategies key to the delivery of the scientific components of accredited courses of study. The module will also continue to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding through a holistic approach, building on the prior learning of science principles at level 4.

SPT 2622 Practical Teaching of PE and Sport – Developed. The focus of learning through this module covers the practice of physical education at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 in the National Curriculum for Physical Education (2007). Working from the basis of the practical teaching module at level 4, you will further develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of the inclusive teaching of games, athletics, OAA and swimming within the requirements of the National Curriculum Physical Education (QCA, 2007) which are essential to the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum. You will critique both teaching and learning strategies and the process of assessment in physical education.

SPT 2623 Research Methods. This module is designed to specifically provide you with an awareness of approaches to research in physical education and youth sport. Additionally it is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and the application of this to practical situations. The structure enables you to understand and develop a proposal which will be ethically sound, methodologically viable and informative.

SPT 2624 Expressive Movement. This module introduces dance and gym as areas of activity each with their own philosophy, and required skills. Primarily through practical activities you will gain further background knowledge and an understanding of key theoretical principles. You will also examine the place of dance and gym on the curriculum and consider aesthetic qualities within human movement to enhance your understanding of planning and performing this aspect of human activity.

SPT 2625 Developing School Sport. This module is designed to provide you with knowledge and understanding of educational sporting programmes that are developed by schools in conjunction with a wide range of partners and government initiatives. Furthermore, the module allows you to see the benefits / importance that school sport can have on the holistic development of individuals within an educational setting. The module aims to give you an understanding so that you can acquire the necessary skills to evaluate school sport development over a period of time whilst reflecting upon political agendas. The knowledge and understanding gained in this module will be particularly beneficial if you intend to pursue a career within an educational and / or coaching setting.

SPT 2626 School Sports Initiatives. This module will provide you with an insight into the contemporary initiatives that focus on School Sport provision with an emphasis on Government involvement and / or intervention. The module provides opportunities to review and explore school sport policy and practice. You will gain knowledge and understanding with regard to specific initiatives mindful of the relationship between PE in schools and Sport in the Community and government ideals.

SPT 3620 Contemporary PE/Sport Curriculum Development. This module explores and examines the place of physical education as a curriculum subject in the socio-political context of the United Kingdom (specifically England and Wales). It is in essence an investigation into the political sociology of physical education. A range of contemporary curriculum issues will be explored in comparison with educational systems in selected countries from around the world.

SPT 3621 Child Development. The module offers an applied and integrated approach to child development and physical education. The holistic approach adopted in this module is designed to enable you to acquire the necessary skills to employ a multidisciplinary approach to working with children in physical activity. Both scientific and sociological aspects of the ways in which children develop are examined in relation to the benefits of physical education.

SPT 3622 Practical Teaching of PE and Sport – Applied. Continuing the work undertaken at levels 4 and 5, the module encompasses more complex skills and provides opportunities to enhance your knowledge, skills and understanding of the transfer of pedagogic theory and practice within the medium of inclusive physical activity teaching. The further development of National Curriculum (PE) activities through Key Stage 4 and accredited physical education and sports studies examination courses will strengthen the theoretical and practical areas of competence you may take into any related professional career.

SPT 3623 Pedagogy. The intention of the pedagogy module is to explore the art and science of teaching and learning in the context of Physical Education. Building upon the content of modules SPT 2604 and SPT 2605 you will be introduced to key concepts underpinning learning and teaching. Work carried out in this module will focus on the practical application of theoretical concepts to practical teaching situations.

SPT 3624 Active PE Research. Building on the research skills and subject specific knowledge and understanding developed at Level 5 (SPT 2607) this module provides you with the supported opportunity to conduct and report an independent research project based in schools. The module involves the gathering of information in real settings and seeks to enhance your knowledge of a negotiated aspect of physical education of particular interest.

SPT 3625 Sport, Young People and the Community. Schools have traditionally had a central role in linking with the communities they serve. If you are seeking employment in a school and / or community sport settings you should understand that schools are not institutions isolated from the needs of the communities. Rather, schools are increasingly becoming the hub of many communities through shared use of facilities, both for sport and adult education classes across a number of recreation and leisure forms. Also, pupils increasingly deliver community services such as musical and theatrical productions both in and out of school. These activities, as well as extra curricular sporting provision, are important in highlighting the central role the school can play in expressing community endeavour.

SPT 3626 Practice Based Learning. Building on the knowledge, understanding and practical competencies gained in levels 4 and 5, you will undertake a period of practice based learning, providing a practical context in which you will develop your ability to apply theoretical concepts related to school sport. The professional practice will be followed up with an academic component in which you engage in an extended period of critical reflection on the relationship between theory and practice. There will be an opportunity to explore the theory underpinning practices observed or delivered and to evaluate and reflect on how theory, research and practical competencies introduced and developed at level 5 have been applied in an educational setting.