Physical Education

VISION/GOALS

Every Westwoodian is Physically Educated - Health for Life

CURRICULUM

Exercise & Sports Science (ESS) is an ‘O’ Level subject offered to selected students in Secondary 3 Express and Normal Academic classes. Exercise and Sports Science (ESS) is an interdisciplinary subject where students will be grounded in the sub-disciplines of sports science with an understanding of sociology in relation to sports. Through the study of ESS, students will develop disciplinary thinking and practices of the subject and thus interdisciplinary understanding interdisciplinary understanding. As ESS students make sense of their acquired knowledge in the areas of study, they apply their learning in the performance and analysis of movement within the practical activities; and in the critique of issues in physical exercise and sports from socio-cultural and global perspectives. These reinforce students’ learning and thus deepen their understanding of the acquired knowledge and skills in the respective areas of study.

The syllabus content consists of five areas of study: exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, sports sociology and, motor learning and development.

The aims of the syllabus are for students to:

acquire acquire and apply the knowledge in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology to analyse, evaluate and improve practical performances in physical exercises and sports;
develop develop the movement concepts and motor skills to be proficient in the performance of a team and an individual / dual sport;
understand understand the benefits and risks associated with physical exercise and sports to manage personal participation in physical activities; and
examine examine issues related to sports and participation in physical activities from socio-cultural and global perspectives.

The format of the national examination comprises two compulsory components:
1. Theory component (60%): E-Examination Paper and Developmental Log
2. Practical component (40%): Coursework – 2 practical activities consisting of
a. One Individual/ Dual Sport such as Track & Field, Cross Country Running, Swimming or Badminton AND
b. One Team Sport such as Basketball, Football and Netball

For more information, please refer to the following links:
1. ESS Syllabus Information
2. The Straits Times article on ESS

Programmes / Events

NAME OF PROGRAMME / EVENT	DATE / MONTH	OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAMME / EVENT
Cross Country	24 Feb	The annual Cross-Country is a mass participation event that develops students’ mental tenacity and perseverance through running. Students compete in a physical or virtual setting to cultivate the school values and 21st CCE competencies.
Level Camps	9 to 11 March	The Level Camps focus on the students’ holistic development integrating outdoor education. Students learn to appreciate the outdoors, develop their self-reliance via experiential learning, and build meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers.
MOE-OBS Challenge Programme	6 to 10 February	The MOE-OBS Challenge (MOC) programme offers a unique opportunity for the Secondary Three Students. During the OBS course, students undergo a shared Outdoor Adventure Learning (OAL) experience and are provided opportunities to learn to work together in new, challenging, and authentic situations with their peers to overcome various challenges.
Inter/Intra-Class Games	Whole Year	The Inter/Intra-Class Games provide a platform for students to apply their knowledge and skills of games learnt during PE lessons. Students develop their competence, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship in these games.
Sports Carnival/ Inter-House Games	5 May	The Sports Carnival/Inter-House Games create a greater sense of affiliation and loyalty of students and staff to the school. Students and staff represent their respective Houses in various competitions throughout the academic year. The Challenge Shield is awarded to the champion house at the end of year to celebrate the achievements.
PE Assessments	January to October	The formative and summative PE assessments present students with feedback on their fitness, motor, and games skills development to equip them with the knowledge and understanding on how to evaluate their physical performances for improvements.

Useful Links

LINK	DESCRIPTION
Physical activity information
https://hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/physical-activity/move-it	Move It programmes for everyone
https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/93/bmi-calculator	Calculate BMI and know the risks of obesity-related diseases.
Secondary school fitness tests engage young woman less likely than young men
https://www.healio.com/news/womens-health-ob-gyn/20210902/secondary-school-fitness-tests-engage-young-women-less-likely-than-young-men	Student enjoyment of fitness testing is a key factor for engagement.