Inside Track

INSIDE TRACK

March 2021 Assessment arrangements for 2021

Welcome to the eighth edition of INSIDE TRACK, the After many weeks of speculation it was confirmed in online magazine designed to support the teaching of late February that exam results for summer 2021 will Pearson GCE PE. be awarded by schools.

The magazine provides material to support centres in the delivery of the course, with articles written by senior examiners and, on occasions, guest writers, together with reviews of resources that may be helpful for teaching or background reading.

Regular readers of Inside Track will notice a significant change in the design of the magazine caused by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. What is unchanged is the focus on providing students and teachers with high quality content to support the delivery of the GCE specification.We hope you find this edition helpful to your learning and teaching.

Exam halls will remain empty this summer with grades decided by centres Contents:

Assessment arrangements summer 2021 On 25 February the Department for Education and Recovery strategies in football Ofqual confirmed arrangements for how this year’s Returning to competitive sport after Lockdown GCSE, AS and A level results will be graded and issued Revision ideas for retrieving key knowledge to students. The structure of sport in Australia You can view the finding from the consultation on the

Ofqual website. They provide guidance on the:

Get in touch • Assessment and evidence It is hoped that INSIDE TRACK will be a helpful resource • Support materials (this will be produced by the for centres delivering the Pearson specification. If you Awarding Organisations) have particular requests for how the magazine can sup- • Quality assurance port you, or you wish to contribute, please contact the • Appeals and results editor (Dennis Tattoo) at: The results day for GCEs will be on 10 August and 12 [email protected] August for GCSEs. Other Pearson resources for GCE PE Pearson is now working through the detail of these arrangements to understand what they mean for A wide range of materials that support the learning and schools, colleges, teachers and students, including teaching of GCE PE can be found on the Pearson web- those taking our international general qualifications. site.

1 Recovery strategies in football NUTRITION Given that food and fluid consumption can help players’ refuel, repair and rehydrate, nutrition plays an essential role in the recovery process particularly in the first 24 hours.

Players should therefore be disciplined and implement a specific nutrition protocol immediately after every

training session and game.

Damian Roden is Inside Track’s guest contributor for this edition. Damian is currently Director of Perfor- mance at RSC Anderlecht and is one of the most expe- rienced and well-respected performance coaches to HYDROTHERAPY emerge from the English Premier League having been successfully implementing his philosophy at the high- Following intense training and games where muscles, est level for over 15 years. joints and connective tissue have been loaded, many players may benefit by avoiding weight bearing modes He completed a first degree in Sports Science & Coach- of recovery such as jogging, opting instead for a water ing, a Masters Degree in Exercise & Nutrition Science based alternative. Immersion in water can help the and became one of the youngest coaches in the UK to body to produce ‘endorphins’ that enhance mood and gain the UEFA Pro Licence. wellbeing and the pressure of the water increases circu- In these extracts from his book Fit For Every Game, lation from the ankles back to the heart to help remove Damian outlines strategies he considers helpful for metabolic waste. recovery.

There are many ways to accelerate the recovery process and making recovery a habit will undoubtedly help to both optimise performance and reduce the risk of injury by ensuring the body is always in a state of homeostasis (balance).

Whilst it might not be practical to perform every mode of recovery every day, players should aim to incorpo- rate as many of the following methods as possible into their daily routine.

It is important to understand that there isn’t a bible about what mode of recovery is the best for each and Many football clubs ensure they have access to a pool to ensure that players understand the potential benefits of each hydrotherapy opportunities for players. modality and take responsibility for finding what works best for them so that they are fully prepared for match- es. 2 ACTIVE RECOVERY MASSAGE

When players perform explosive actions for prolonged Whilst the use of foam rollers are a form of self regu- periods, energy stores are depleted, muscle fibres are lated ‘massage’, massage of key muscle groups by a damaged and waste products build up inside the mus- trained practitioner will accelerate the recovery pro- cle that can cause further damage if they are ‘locked’ cess further and also promote a feeling of wellbeing. inside the body and not removed. Regular massage can help to drain waste out of the Performing additional exercise at a steady state, at a muscles through the lymph glands into the blood- low intensity and for a short duration immediately stream for removal and should be performed with after both hard training and games will help elevate the same practitioner where possible after each foot- heart rate above resting levels and increase blood flow ball conditioning training session and game. to and from active muscles transporting key nutrients to muscles and carrying waste product back to the heart for removal. COMPRESSION

FOAM ROLLER

Given the number of changes of direction, the number of accelerations and decelerations that take place and the rotational nature of the game, it is not uncommon for players to develop tightness in muscles that may restrict movement and, over time, potentially lead to injury. Compression garments, like those illustrated above, Performing foam roller exercises immediately after providing they are graduated and fitted to each indi- training and games will not only help to iron out knots viduals’ calf measurements , force blood upwards in muscles and reduce tightness but it will also help to from the ankle joint for the calf muscle to pump drain waste out of the muscles through the lymph blood back to the heart and are perfect for use in the glands into the bloodstream for removal. hours after training but particularly following hard training and games.

SLEEP

Whilst all other modalities of recovery look to return

the body to homeostasis (balance) as soon as possible and prevent further damage from occurring, sleep is arguably the single most important strategy to mas- ter not only to help the body recover but to help the

body improve. Providing players are able to enter into a ‘deep sleep’ for a significant amount of time each night or when napping, ‘growth hormone’ is re- leased that helps the body recover, regenerate and

consequently ‘adapt’.

It is important for players to understand just how Foam rollers can be purchased for relatively low cost and effective sleep is and that it should be at the forefront provide another route to recovery post training or match of their mind to help reduce the risk of injury and optimise performance.

Damian is happy to be contacted via twitter at @Damian_Roden 3 Returning to competition post lockdown

Chief Examiner Dennis Tattoo outlines how to return to competitive sport after the difficulties of training during the most recent lockdown.

By the time this edition of Inside Track is published it is likely that the strict measures imposed by the government in January 2020 will have eased sufficiently to allow many people to return to at least some forms of competitive sport.

Given the constraints of the lockdown and the potential impact on fitness levels it is important to prepare thoroughly for a return to competition.

A Level students will understand the importance of Warming up is important for all training sessions applying key principles of training at this important time. Fradkin et al (2006) found that non-elite athletes As well as making sure that any Covid-19 guidelines were less likely to warm up properly when com- are observed, key points also include: pared to elite performers even though warming up is • Working with your coach to identify fitness tar- regarded as an integral part of training. gets before returning to competition. Original Haff and Triplett (2016) concluded that a well de- goals may need to be reviewed in light of a like- signed and appropriate warm up has a positive im- ly loss of fitness pact on performance. Benefits include faster muscle • Undertaking a battery of tests to check fitness contraction, enhanced rates of force development and muscle strength and power, and an improved levels and to inform the planning process delivery of oxygen. • Ensuring that warming up is thorough; so too a Warming up has also been linked to decreasing the proper cool down risks of injury although there are relatively few stud- • Returning to full competition only when fit to ies about warming up and injuries. In a review of do so studies in 2006 for Sports Medicine Australia relating to warming up and its effect on preventing injury, • Making sure diet and rest are not overlooked Fradkin et al considered five studies which consid- A Level students who will be assessed in the practical ered the extent to which warming up reduces injury. component (9PE03) next summer (2021) should dis- Three found warming up significantly reduced the risk of injury, whilst the others suggested warming cuss with their teachers and coaches a sensible strate- up was not linked to significantly reducing injuries. gy for a return to full competition and then consider ways of compiling the necessary video evidence to The review concluded that, on balance, the evidence meet the criteria outlined in the specification. suggested a link between warming up and reducing the risk of injury, although more research is re- Pearson will provide information about the evidence quired. requirements for next summer but a good starting Bibliography point would be to review the information outlined in the 2016 specification which is available on the web- Fradkin A, Gabbe P, Cameron P 2006, Does warming up site. prevent injury? The evidence of randomised controlled trials, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, June 2006 As athletes return to competition it is important not to Haff G and Triplett N, 2016, Essentials of Strength training overlook the importance of a thorough warm up. and conditioning, Human Kinetics

4 Ideas for effective revision Despite the impact of the pandemic, ideas for purposeful revision are always helpful. Here, Princi- pal Examiner Ellie Bunston offers readers a valuable resource and examples of activities to help boost preparation for exams.

I can thoroughly recommend this book by Kate Jones which I have used of in my own lessons. It has excellent examples to use in classrooms every day for retrieval practice.

Based on simple-to-interpret research there are some easy to try ideas.

Whilst activities like those illustrated below are excellent for retrieval practice they tend to cover just AO1 knowledge. This is useful for learning facts but when practising past exam questions it is important always to ensure students utilise the Pearson command word taxonomy (page 97 in the specification) and cover AO2 and 3 content as well so that students are used to applying the knowledge to scenarios. This helps to access higher grades ra- ther than simply retrieving facts.

Retrieval Practice Challenge Grid

What is Newton’s Law of Inertia? What is the Wingate test? What is the equation for acceleration?

What is the equation for speed? What is the Law of Action and Reaction? What is the Yo-Yo test?

What is anaerobic capacity? What is the equation for velocity? What is the process of inspiration?

What is vital capacity? What is MAOD? What is exercise economy?

One point Two points Three points Four points

Last lesson Last week Two weeks ago Even further back

In this activity students receive additional marks for recall of work from previous lessons as indicated. This can be achieved by undertaking the questions themselves and then checking answers or by a walk-about starter activity in which they ask their peers, ensuring they ask as many different classmates questions as possible.

5 Q Name three over – use injuries Q Name two acute injuries Q What are the advantages of pulleys?

A A A

Name Name Name

Q What are disadvantages of free Q What are the principles of training? Q What effects moment of inertia? weights?

A A A

Name Name Name

Q What ways can you measure inten- Q What are the classifications of inju- Q What are the types of spin? sity of training? ries?

A A A

Name Name Name

Flashcards like those shown above can be distributed randomly at the start of a lesson and peer-marked or collected by the teacher.

The Structure of Australian Sport It can be difficult to see where the sport sector begins and ends, a little like in England, particularly when you Principal Examiners Colin Maskery and Andrew consider intersecting themes such as active and out- Armitstead identify important points about the door recreation, fitness, physical activity and preven- structure of sport in Australia. tative health. The extracts are from an article written by Chris- However, the structure of sport in Australia can pro- tine May, November 2020, entitled The Structure vide some insight into how the sector connects and of Australian Sport’. operates from a peak national to local grassroots level. The information supports learning related to topic 5.6.2 A pragmatic way of dissecting this myriad of bodies and functions is to divide the structures into three key

areas: 1. Federated Structure: The system of federalism (that is, Australia's Common- wealth constitutional system governing its federated states and territories) strongly influences how the Australian sport and active recreation sector is struc- tured.

2. Public Investment: The Australian sport and active recreation sector Australian governments (Federal, state/territory, and have many players and moving parts. It is strongly local) invest over AU$1.3b annually in sport at all lev- influenced by other leading service sectors includ- els—investing in community participation, high perfor- ing government, community, education, health, mance, infrastructure, major events, and building a retail, media and broadcast, and tourism and enter- robust sports industry. tainment.

6 3. Community Driven: At elite level, the following bodies work to serve the need to be successful at international level: Community sport and active recreation clubs play a piv- otal role in making physical activity opportunities acces- Australian Peak Sport Bodies include the Australian sible to all Australians. Institute of Sport (AIS), the Australian Olympic Com- mittee (AOC), Paralympics Australia (PA) and the More than 5.4m Australian adults (15+) and 2.4m chil- Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) dren participate in organised sport and recreation activities annually. Although The AIS has a clearly defined mission, to develop elite sport in Australia by providing facilities Australian governments at all levels play a leading role and funding to sporting organisations and potential in delivering sport and sport related policies and pro- elite athletes and improving the prospects of success grams. This includes providing support and funding to at major games, increasingly the National Federa- sporting organisations, clubs and individuals, being ma- tions are taking are more substantial role in develop- jor investors and contributors to building and maintain- ing elite talent. ing sports related infrastructure and sponsoring the hosting of major sports events. Sports Sector Governance: Students are encouraged to research the various bodies and documents associated with Australia’s structures, in particular – The National Sports Plan. Sport 2030, Commonwealth of Australia, (2018). Aus- tralia’s first national sport plan represents the Australi- an Government’s long-term commitment to seeing Aus- tralian sport thrive. Sport 2030 is the vision and the plan for sport and physical activity in Australia over the next decade to be delivered in partnership with Australia’s sporting, physical activity, technology, education, and corporate community. The strategic priorities are: The National Institutes Network (NIN) comprises the • Build a more active Australia - More Australians, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the eight State more active, more often. and Territory Institutes and Academies of Sport (SIS/ SAS). • Achieving sporting excellence - National pride, inspiration and motivation through international sporting success. • Safeguarding the integrity of sport - A fair, safe and strong sport sector free from corruption; • Strengthening Australia’s sport industry - A thriv- ing Australian sport and recreation industry.

Sport and recreation in Australia operates through the following national and regional structure:

• Federal Parliament/government – whole nation Regional Academies of Sport provide additional ath- based in Canberra lete support and training/competition opportunities for talented youth. • State and Territory governments – 6 states and 2 territories • Local governments - city, municipal or shire coun- cils

7 Key sporting organisations within Australian sport include: State Sporting Organisations (SSOs): responsible for developing their sport from community participation to high performance levels in their respective jurisdiction. Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS): an independent, not-for-profit industry voice committed to promoting the contribution of community sport. Community Sport Australia represents issues affecting community sport and active recreation in Australia. Women Sport Australia (WSA): the peak national advocacy organisation for women in sport A range of professional bodies to support specific sport and recreation interests.

The Community sector comprises: • Sport and active recreation clubs • School sport • University sport • Preventive health and fitness

Recent initiatives in Australia have seen the key organisations focus increasingly on encouraging even more Australians to participate in sport as well as excelling in elite level international competitions.

The extracts are from an article written by Christine May, November 2020, entitled The Structure of Aus- tralian Sport’. Structure of Australian Sport | Clearinghouse for Sport

Resources and Reviews

Chief Examiner Dennis Tattoo continues Inside Track’s regular review of the latest sports technology, books and websites which teachers and students might find of interest.

Lance: A two part documentary on the BBC iPlayer

Using testimony from many of those closest to Arm- strong during his cycling career, this lengthy documentary, offered across three hours, provides a fas- cinating look back at the timeline of events that cul- minated in Armstrong’s ban from competitive sport.

Starting from his impressive foray into triathlons as a teenager the film charts his rise to the top of his sport and how it unravels as more and more people come forward to reveal the extent of doping preva- lent in the USA Postal Cycling Team.

Leading sports scientist Mark Williams and award win- It really is the kind of sports coverage those study- ning author Tim Wigmore provide one of the latest ing A Level PE are likely to enjoy. additions to those books which consider the factors For those interested, additional reading is available linked to success in elite level sport. from a wealth of books including those referred to It is well researched, considers a wide range of evi- in the film, including Tyler Hamilton (The Secret dence and offers up interesting material in sensible Race) and Emma O’Reilly (The Race to the Truth). sized chapters.

The book has been well received by many coaches The British Society of Sports History around the world including Eddie Jones who com- ments that ‘For any coach that wants to learn and Students who develop an interest in the historical coach better, this is a must read’. Other coaches to topics of the A Level course would benefit from advocate the book as essential reading include Les exploring the website of the British Society of Read the Technical Director at The FA and David Col- Sports History (www.sportinhistory.org). clough the Head of Coaching of the PGA. The BSSH promotes the study of history in sport The authors conclude that what singles out the very and works with museums, academics and those best performers, those who go on to achieve at the involved in research to provide a wealth of re- very highest levels of competition, is the ability to sources for students at university and secondary adapt physically, physiologically, technically, tactically schools as well as those interested in learning more and psychologically to the demands of top level sport. about the history of sport in its broadest sense. The Those interested in considering contemporary evi- latest journal has an in-depth look at women in dence alongside the personal testimony of top ath- sports history and covers the role of women in letes will relish this excellent book. football, cricket and American Football.