Cambridge National Sport Science
The Cambridge Nationals in Sport Science offers learners the opportunity to study key areas of sports science including anatomy and physiology linked to fitness, health, injury and performance, the science of training and application of training principles in sport and sports performance.
There are 4 units – Injury, Fitness, Physiology, Nutrition
Mainly coursework based…..Hard work = the grade you deserve! Leads directly onto A-level PE
Equivalent to a GCSE qualification
75% Coursework
25% Exam
At Key Stage 4 PE there is now the opportunity to study the Cambridge National Sport Science Level 2 Certificate. It is equivalent to a GCSE qualification but differs in that it is primarily assessed via coursework that you will add to during each lesson. That means that this course is not so heavily weighted on final exams, but is more focused on the amount and quality of work that you can complete over the 3 year course. It involves some practical elements too and leads directly on to A-Level PE here at The Polesworth School or other post-16 courses at other institutions. Please see below for more information about each of the 4 units of the course:
Unit 1 Injury – 1 hour exam
You will know how to prepare participants to take part in physical activity in a way which minimises the risk of injuries occurring, how to react to common injuries that can occur during sport and how to recognise the symptoms of some common medical conditions, providing a good foundation to undertake formal first aid training and qualifications.
Unit 2 Fitness – Coursework and Practical
You will know the principles and methods of training and the application of these in the design of training programmes along with practical skills in fitness testing.
Unit 3 Physiology – Coursework
You will understand key aspects of the structure and function of the musculo-skeletal and cardio-respiratory systems and investigate some of the changes which occur to them in response to short and long-term physical activity.
Unit 4 Nutrition – Coursework
You will consider the composition of a healthy, balanced diet. They will also consider the necessity of certain nutrients in particular quantities and the effects of a poor diet. They will reflect upon the role that diet plays in different sports and activities, and use the knowledge gained to produce an appropriate, effective diet plan for a performer.