Year 10
Building Knowledge and Physical Confidence
In Year 10, students begin to lay the foundations for their understanding of fitness and performance through Unit 1, Fitness for Sport and Exercise. This unit introduces learners to the core components of fitness and the principles of training. Students explore how different components are applied in various sports and physical activities, and they learn how to assess and evaluate fitness using a range of established tests. They study both the procedures for conducting these tests and the interpretation of resulting data, giving them a solid grounding in fitness analysis. This unit is externally assessed via an exam, encouraging pupils to develop independent study habits from an early stage.
Alongside this, pupils begin Unit 3, Applying the Principles of Personal Training. Here, they design a personal six-week fitness programme aimed at improving performance in a chosen sport or activity. To inform this, students study the cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal systems, building their understanding of how exercise impacts the body. They begin to appreciate the importance of goal-setting, monitoring progress, and reflecting on outcomes in real training scenarios. The unit also involves practical engagement, where students take part in physical training based on their programme, developing personal discipline and applied knowledge.
Year 10 also introduces Unit 6, Leading Sports Activities. Students begin by examining what makes a successful sports leader, looking at key attributes such as communication, organisation, and motivation. They compare leadership styles and start to consider how they can apply these attributes in their own practice. Throughout the year, students also participate in regular practical lessons which support and reinforce the theoretical content, offering vital opportunities to apply knowledge and refine their physical and leadership skills in a supportive environment
Year 11
Applying Skills and Reflecting on Performance
In Year 11, students build on the theoretical understanding and practical skills gained in Year 10 and move into the application and evaluation phase of the course. In Unit 2, Practical Performance in Sport, pupils focus on two chosen sports, developing their ability to perform a range of key skills and techniques under isolated, conditioned, and competitive situations. This unit deepens their understanding of both health- and skill-related components of fitness and how these contribute to effective performance. They also gain insight into the technical and tactical demands of their chosen sports, enhancing their gameplay awareness and decision-making.
Students also apply their knowledge of the rules, regulations and scoring systems in practical settings, often taking on officiating roles. This element helps to build confidence and leadership, and encourages responsibility and sportsmanship. The coursework element includes a self-analysis of a recorded performance, where students are expected to identify strengths and weaknesses and suggest strategies for improvement.
In Unit 3, students complete the final stages of their personal fitness programme. They implement their plan, monitor their progress through a training diary, and then evaluate the outcomes of their training in depth. This includes discussing strengths, areas for improvement, and recommendations for future training. The ability to reflect and justify decisions is a key component of this unit and supports the development of analytical thinking.
Unit 6 is completed during Year 11 with students planning, delivering, and reviewing their own sports sessions. This involves choosing appropriate activities, leading their peers, and then reflecting on their delivery, communication and group management. They assess what went well and what could be improved, setting targets for their continued development as sports leaders.
Together, these units offer students a broad and balanced introduction to the sport and fitness sector, preparing them for further study at Level 3 or other sport-related pathways. The practical and applied nature of the course encourages responsibility, resilience and reflective practice—qualities that are valued in both academic and professional environments
Contact
The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000