We are finding that there is an increasing demand for GCSE PE courses for students in years 10 and 11. We are now in our third year of running these courses, so far dealing with two different boards.

Book a week's course with us or join in with other schools on an autumn or spring half term course (see 'What's On').

Activities

We have now run a number of successful training and GCSE assessment courses in Rock Climbing, Orienteering, Hill Walking and Canoeing (Kayaking). We also run general study courses supporting a wide range of topics from the PE curriculum. Most schools bring PE students who can be described as 'able and motivated beginners', and the programmes/formats below are written with them in mind.

Assessment is usually conducted by Blue Peris instructors with assistance from school staff, and of course students end up with a mark or grade for an activity which counts towards their GCSE grade. To support the practical assessment we also give students a short written exam. Moderators have looked at some of the assessments carried out at Blue Peris and as far as we know never changed a mark or made unfavourable comments.

Course Formats

Our courses are normally run on a five day format (Sunday evening to Saturday morning). On Training and Assessment courses four days or sometimes three and a half are sufficient, and there are various ways in which the extra time can be used:

• The training can be extended so that lower ability students have an extra day to improve skills and performance.
• Sessions can be planned to support various syllabus areas eg. skills acquisition, motivation, nutrition, first aid etc.
• Students can have a free choice from a range of different activities, to experience another outdoor sport.
• We can arrange a full day group problem solving 'team challenge' activity.

Programme

A sample programme is attached, but each school is contacted to discuss course details and programme design. Each activity is supported by a study booklet produced and provided by the Centre.

Group Numbers

The Centre normally accommodates groups of 40, who are divided into tens for practical sessions, though orienteering is sometimes done in larger groups. Very small groups wishing to follow an activity may not be viable.

Prices & Dates

Please contact the centre for the latest prices of courses. Prices are dependent on the time of year and the number of students you wish to bring. Blue Peris is normally fully booked over a year ahead, especially for popular times, but there are occasionally cancellations or spaces for smaller groups at shorter notice.

Sample Programme: GCSE PE General Study Course

Day	Daytime Activities	Evening Activities
Sunday	Arrival 16:00 Introduction to the course and centre, equipment issue
Monday	Talk: Skill Acquisition Rock Climbing/Abseiling Kayaking	Written Course Work Ropes Course
Tuesday	Talk: Adventure and Risk Sea Cliff Traversing	Compass Course
Wednesday	Talk: Nutrition & Diet Quarry Abseil Orienteering	Group Inititive Exercise
Thursday	Talk: Motivation Mountain Walk	Orienteering Competition
Friday	Activity Options, choose from all above plus Mine Exploration, Mountain Biking, Problem Solving	Course Evaluation
Saturday	Depart 09:30

Sample Programme: GCSE PE Rock Climbing Course

Day	Daytime Activities	Evening Activities
Sunday	Arrival 16:00 Introduction to the course and centre, equipment issue
Monday	Talk: Introduction to Skills & Equipment Rock CLimbing Practical Belay Techniques	Written Course Work Knots for Climbers
Tuesday	Talk: Adventure and Risk Abseiling and Bouldering Practical	Visit Beacon Climbing Wall
Wednesday	Multi-Pitch Climbing	Ropework Revision
Thursday	Single Pitch Climbing Revision	Written Paper
Friday	Practical Assessments	Course Evaluation Kit Return
Saturday	Depart 09:30

Study Booklets

We have designed Study Booklets to support GCSE PE courses in Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Hill Walking and Orienteering. These are based on Ed Excel and MEG examination boards and are readily adaptable.