A number of secondary schools visit Bowles as part of their ongoing studies. There are many practical activities on the syllabus that can be completed at Bowles. We are able to offer training and assessments in many adventurous sports for both GCSE and BTEC.
BTEC
We can offer assessment in many of the outdoor sports available at Bowles. It is possible to design assessments and training for isolated, conditioned and competitive conditions for;
- Rock climbing
- kayaking
- Orienteering
- Archery
The time needed for each of these sports will greatly vary depending on the previous experience of the learners.
GCSE
Due to the nature of the ‘new’ syllabus in GCSE PE we have developed new schemes of work that fit into the new ORC, AQA, WJEC and Edexcel examination bodies.
GCSE intensive courses
Some schools prefer do do a training and assessment week combined. This can be done for some of the examination boards – the details are below. This option works well for students either with prior experience or a cohort that is physically fit and motivated.
ORC – we are unable to offer intensive courses in rock climbing or kayaking due to the moving water elements and lead climbing section of the syllabus.
Edexcel – The Skills in Isolation can be taught and assessed to a high level. In order to perform at the very top level in the ‘Application of Skills’ the students will require prior experience in rock climbing. This could be part of a climbing club or regular use of a climbing wall. Students without this experience can still achieve good results if they are motivated. Kayaking or Canoeing can be trained and assessed at Bowles, this would take a three day specific water sports program.
AQA – We can offer assessments in climbing, people with prior experience will be abler to score highly but everyone with motivation and good general fitness will achieve high scores. We are unable to offer kayaking and canoeing assessments as we don’t have access to suitable white water courses or slalom equipment.
WJEC – The intensive course is suitable for people with prior experience but anyone with motivation and good general fitness can achieve good scores .
GCSE split courses – training – consolidation – assessment
In order to achieve the top marks in these sports we recommend a training course (either residential or a number of day courses) which should then be followed by the students gaining more experience as part of a school club or local group. Once the learning from the training course has been consolidated, we can then run an assessment day.
| Examination Board | Training days required | Consolidation period | Assessment days required |
| OCR | 2 days climbing 2 days kayaking |
Minimum 6 months or 20 hours | 1 day climbing Kayaking assessments only available for small groups due to the moving water element. |
| Edexcel | 2 days climbing 2 days kayaking |
Minimum 6 months or 20 hours | 1 day climbing 1 day kayaking |
| AQA | 2 days climbing | Minimum 6 months or 20 hours | 1 day climbing assessment |
| WJEC | 2 days climbing 2 days kayaking 2 days orienteering |
Minimum 12 months or 40 hours for climbing (students should be able to lead a indoor sports climb before assessment) 6 months or 20 hours for orienteering |
1 day climbing Kayaking assessments not available 1 day orienteering |
