Cambridge Nationals in Sport Studies: arrangements for 2020/21

Cambridge Nationals in Sport Studies Level 1/2 Award/Certificate J803, J813

We recently informed you of our 2020/21 arrangements for our Cambridge Nationals in Sports Studies. 

Following some early teacher feedback, we can now provide further clarification on the use of potential Q&A sessions for the LO3: Be able to officiate in a sporting activity element of the R052 Developing sports skills unit.

We have added the following guidance:

• Candidates should not all be asked the same set of questions.
• The centre should ensure several sets of questions are used.
• In Q&A sessions the questions asked should not be too specific and of the same type – some more open questions which require the candidate to give the information – e.g. explain a rule – rather than just ask them to respond to a situation as described will aid differentiation with your students.
• Please go back to the requirements of LO3 (below) and look at the things which should be covered. Candidates should be showing awareness of these in their responses – so, within this LO for officiating, ask them about their positioning, how they signal/communicate, game management etc….  Rules are only one aspect here.
• There should be variety and all the LO points below should be covered, and individual candidate responses must be accurately recorded for marking/ moderating (audio would be great if you can, although written is acceptable).
• It has to be remembered that you must follow the guidance in the specification. LO3 states candidates should officiate in a sporting activity. A single five minute conversation will not replace that experience. The intention here is to make it possible to complete an assessment if you cannot set up a sport session for them to officiate. You do still need to ensure that you spend time ensuring that your questioning is sufficient to cover the LO and warrant the marks awarded.

Learning Outcome 3: Be able to officiate in a sporting activity

Learners must be taught:

• how to apply rules and regulations relevant to the activity (e.g. reference to NGB rule books)
• the importance of consistency (e.g. making sure rules are applied consistently in a variety of situations)
• the importance of accuracy (e.g. applying rules correctly)
• the use of signals (e.g. whistles/flags/gestures – how, when, why)
• how to communicate decisions (e.g. with other officials, performers and the audience)
• the importance of positioning (e.g. to gain the best view to make decisions, not obstruct activity)

You can download the updated Your guide to the changes for 2021 guidance document from the Cambridge Nationals in Sports Studies qualification page.

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email us at support@ocr.org.uk.

Qualification

• Sport Studies Level 1/2 Award/Certificate - J803, J813