AS 1 PE & Sports Science Structure for BSc (Ed)  (PESS) (Primary)
AS 1 PE & Sports Science Structure for BSc (Ed)  (PESS) (Secondary)

Core Courses - APA Series (from intake 2005-06 onwards)

1st Year - Semester 1

This course emphasises concepts related to the broad field of physical education and sport. It provides an overview of the disciplines that study the field's philosophical, historical, cultural, and sociological foundations and their applications to professional practice. The course examines the structure of the Singapore Sports Council, National Sport Associations, Singapore Schools Sports Council and the Co-Curricular Activities Branch and their relationships in promoting participation in sports from recreational to high performance levels. The daily work in physical education and sport, looking at the traditional field of teaching and coaching, is also highlighted. Current issues and future directions in the field are also explored.

1st Year - Semester 1

This course is designed to understand the relation between physical growth and motor development in children and adolescent. Various topics including stages, age related changes, individual differences, and gender differences in relation to growth and motor development will be covered during the course. In addition, interventional strategies to facilitate growth and motor development will be discussed. Implications for the teaching of physical education will be emphasized throughout the course.

1st Year - Semester 2

APA103 - Anatomical and Biomechanical Foundations of Physical Activity

No. of AUs = 3

Structural anatomy deals with the knowledge and an understanding of the skeleton, joints and muscle structure that produces movement. Biomechanics is the study of a biological system by means of mechanics. This course introduces the basic mechanical and anatomical concepts and principles that govern human movement. The aim of this course is to enable student teachers to perform qualitative analyses of human movement using basic concepts of mechanics and anatomy in the context of PE and sports.

1st Year - Semester 2

APA104 - Physiology of Exercise

No. of AUs = 2

The principal areas covered include energy metabolism for exercise, aerobic performance and anaerobic performance, sex and age-associated differences in exercise performances and thermoregulation in the heat. The associated teaching implications will be brought to the fore. In addition, aspects of functional anatomy dealing with the associated exercise parameters and the part each plays in physical performance, health and fitness will be discussed in this course.

2nd Year - Semester 1

APA201 - Foundations of Psychology & Motor Learning in Physical Activity

No. of AUs = 3

This course examines the foundations of sport and exercise psychology and the concepts and principles associated with skill acquisition. Specifically, the course will focus on topics and issues related to the social psychological variables that influence participation in physical activity and sport, the sport and exercise environments within which participants operate, as well as selected outcomes of such participation.

2nd Year - Semester 1

This course is designed to provide student teachers with basic concepts of measurement and evaluation in physical education. The course will focus on basic concepts of statistics and the use of computers for data analysis. In addition, techniques to analyse the effectiveness of physical education programme will be introduced and discussed. This course is designed to prepare future teachers to become knowledgeable in administering and evaluation tests within the discipline of physical education.

4th Year - Semester 1

This course covers a range of topics relevant to the teaching of physical education in schools. It examines student teachers' concerns arising from their teaching experiences and addresses these in relation to the research on teaching effectiveness in physical education. Teacher socialization issues that occur in schools are discussed. Observer systems that can be used to analyse the effectiveness of the teacher and the management of student behaviours in teaching settings are introduced.

4th Year - Semester 2

This course will build on the knowledge and theory gained in the Instructional Methods and Strategies Units. The content will focus on issues related to the development and assessment of physical education curricular and attention will be given to the PE curriculum in Singapore.

AS 1 PE & Sports Science Structure for BSc (Ed)  (PESS) (Primary)
AS 1 PE & Sports Science Structure for BSc (Ed)  (PESS) (Secondary)

Prescribed Courses - APA Series (from intake 2005-06 onwards)

2nd Year - Semester 2

Pre-requisites: APA104

This academic course on exercise physiology embraces important concepts in the physiology of exercise in the school-going age population ( 8-18 years), contrasting with those of adults. The principal areas covered include the trainability of aerobic & anaerobic performance in young people compared to adults, and nutritional aspects of performance including fluid supplementation.

2nd Year - Semester 2

Pre-requisites: APA103

This course introduces participants to quantitative methods for determining mechanical parameters of movement, namely linear and angular kinematic and kinetic quantities through laboratory work. Participants should have completed the mechanical and anatomical bases of human motion before enrolling for this course. A quantitative analysis of sports using basic biomechanical concepts will be introduced to explain movements required in various activities. The use of such quantitative procedures will allow the teacher or coach to effectively analyse movement, explain causes of observed effects and to remediate errors using a safe and scientific approach.

2nd Year - Semester 2

Pre-requisites: APA201

This course is designed to provide student teachers with an understanding of how psychological variables influence participation in sport and physical education, focusing on the key motivational perspectives of exercise and sport.

2nd Year - Semester 2

Pre-requisites: APA201

The purpose of this course is to examine the concepts associated with motor  control and the neuromuscular basis of human movement. Student teachers will look at the structures involved in motor control from anatomical, neurophysiological, and biomechanical perspectives, and then, their motion will be interpreted from motor control perspective. Student teachers are encouraged to actively participate in the class by making questions or raising problems.

2nd Year - Semester 2

Pre-requisites: APA101

The course focuses on the role of sport in society. Sociological theories and methodologies are examined and applied to the study of sport. The course will examine issues such as globalization, race, an women in sport.

2nd Year - Semester 2

Pre-requisites: APA101

This course introduces student teachers to the types of sport organizations and the important issues relating to the management of such organizations. The study of sport organizations will be based on organizational theory's concept and principals. The important topics of t he course include: type of sport organizations, legal identity of sport organizations, goals and objectives of sport organizations, leadership, conflict management and decision making in sport organizations, and strategic planning in sports. The course also introduces to the student the key managerial roles and functions important  to managing sport and physical education. The physical education department will be used as a constant management unit to illustrate the key concepts covered.

3rd Year - Semester 1

Pre-requisites: APA231

This course examines the sports training adaptations for aerobic endurance, short term power output, and strength in young people (ages 8-18 yrs), nutrition for sports & training (ergogenic aids), power recovery from intermittent exercise & effects of attitude training on swimming performance.

3rd Year - Semester 1

Pre-requisites: APA232

Biomechanics is the study of a biological system by means of mechanics. This course will focus on the quantitative analysis of human movement in sports. Student teachers will learn how to design a quantitative analysis, collect, analyze and interpret data obtained from the equipment associated with the measurement technique. From the analysis work of this course, student teachers will be expected to examine the relationship between performance measure and human motor system. Student teachers will have the opportunity to explore the underlying processes that is involved in the production of this human movement in sports. The course will consist of theory and applied field work.

3rd Year - Semester 1

Pre-requisites: APA233

This is an applied sport psychology course targeted at student PE teachers who want to consider mental training as a useful tool for enhancing sport performance. The participants will be introduced to the role of applied sport psychologist, the development and evaluation of basic mental skill training, and theories underpinning each mental skill. This course will be both theoretically and practically based.

3rd Year - Semester 1

Pre-requisites: APA234

The objective of this course is to describe, compare, and contrast current theoretical perspectives of motor learning and control. The range of topics covered in this course will be from the basic principles of human movements to complex human behavior, mainly from the behavioral perspectives. In addition, the basic concept of neural interpretation of human motor control will be addressed.

3rd Year - Semester 1

Pre-requisites: APA235

This course will examine the historical development of sport across cultures, tracing the significant milestones in the changing role of sport in society. Issues such as Olympism, from its elitist neoclassical origins to its present commercialized form, will be examined.

3rd Year - Semester 1

Pre-requisites: APA236

The course will focus on the important considerations required to successfully conduct a sport event. Design and maintenance considerations of a sport facility will also be studied to determine what is preferable. Course topics include: important publics of a sport event, organizing sport competitions, executing a sport event, sport facilities design, concept of tort and negligence, and risk management in sport.

3rd Year - Semester 2

This course will focus on issues related to the effective coaching of young athletes. Discussions will be centered on theoretical concepts, yet placed in the context of practical applications for the local competitive environment.
The content from NCAP level 1, 2 and 3 will be covered. If participants so wish, they may register for the NCAP Level 3 certification. This certification will be conferred on participant's meeting the assessment requirements and paying the appropriate fee to the Singapore Sports Council.

3rd Year - Semester 2

Student teachers with special needs, like all other student teachers, need to develop movement control and efficiency of movement in fine and gross motor skills. They can, and should, be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate in modified and regular games and sporting events. The effective physical education teacher can encourage and plan for successful integration of student teachers with special needs in mainstream physical education lessons or inclusive physical activity settings. This introductory course introduces pre-service PE teachers to the area of adapted physical education and to the different disability conditions. This course aims to equip pre-service teachers with the foundation knowledge and skills to integrate students with special needs into the regular PE/physical activity program.

Curriculum Studies
      

Curriculum Studies 1 for the BSc(Ed) (PESS) (Primary)
Curriculum Studies 1 for the BSc(Ed) (PESS) (Secondary)

Core Courses - APC Series (from intake 2005-06 onwards)

1st Year

This course is designed to introduce student teachers to the management strategies and theories underpinning the teaching of games. A broad spectrum of lead-up games will be presented covering four classifications of invasion, net/barrier, striking/fielding and target to provide a systematic and creative understanding of the transferability of principles. Game-sense will be developed through an eclectic conceptual development using elements of  'play practice', sport education, and tactical approaches.

2nd Year

This course is designed to help student teachers understand the theoretical and practical considerations regarding physical fitness and its development. Equal emphasis will be given to health related as well as performance related components of physical fitness. Various methods of training and testing for the components of physical fitness will be dealt with in practicals planning and writing training plans will be the concluding part of this course.

3rd Year

This course covers the foundation skills of planning, teaching and evaluating physical education including: content selection and development; organization; instructional strategies; time on task, and student management systems; observation of student performance; and feedback provision. Course format will include lectures, discussions, practical experiences, group work, and microteaching in a neighbourhood school.

4th Year

This course, second in a series, builds on foundation pedagogical knowledge and skills appropriate for school students. It develops competence in a variety of teaching methods including inquiry, problem solving, group work and peer-teaching. Emphasis is placed on Mosston's teaching styles as well as concept approach to the teaching of games. The focus is on planning, teaching and evaluating situationally relevant lessons. Student teachers will be encouraged to refine their own teaching through systematic observation and analytic reflection. Course content will be presented through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, peer- and micro- teaching assignments in a neighbourhood school.

Curriculum Studies 1 for the BSc(Ed) (PESS) (Primary)
Curriculum Studies 1 for the BSc(Ed) (PESS) (Secondary)

Prescribed Courses - APC Series (from intake 2005-06 onwards)

1st Year

Pre-requisites: See@

Badminton is a game that volleys a shuttlecock across a net with rackets. In this course students will be introduced to a variety of methods in which beginners could acquire the basic volleying skills in badminton (such as the net shots, drop shots and drives). The aim of this course is to enable students to improve their volleying skills in badminton so that they are equipped with adequate badminton skills and learning strategies to enable them to teach badminton in school. The students will also learn the basic rules of the game so that they will be able to umpire games in the competitions.

1st Year

Pre-requisites: See@

This course is designed to equip student teachers with the necessary basic skills and teaching points in order to teach volleyball in schools in Singapore. Special attention will be paid to acquiring the basic skills in volleyball i.e. forearm pass (dig), the face pass (volley), the serve (underarm and overhand), the spike and the block. Emphasis is placed on small-group activity and how to organize and conduct small-group activity in the school situation. Ample practice, reinforced with sound teaching points, is given to the use of the basic skill/skills in small-group game situations. Information about the latest rules of the game and referee hand signals will also be incorporated into the course.

2nd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

This course is designed to impart basic soccer skills and knowledge to student teachers for the purpose of teaching children in a school setting. The emphasis of the course is on providing ample opportunities to play the game as well as to gain better knowledge on how to teach students.

2nd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

The course is designed to impart basic netball skills and knowledge to student teachers for the purpose of teaching children in a school setting. The course will teach the basic skills of footwork, ball skills, goal shooting, and attacking/defending, as well as the application of these skills and game concepts/tactics in game play.

2nd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

A variety of practical applications including: 1)individual on-ball and off-ball skill development, 2) team/game situations and 3) delivery of a basketball class using action-station and team-teaching methods are used to improve skills and knowledge in basketball. Students will be able to assimilate that knowledge (apply it into the Physical Education pedagogy context) in a fun learning-oriented environment.

2nd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

The form of Sport Education incorporating Games Concept Approach, inquiry Based Learning, Hellison's Levels of Responsibility, Situated Learning, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Independent and Self Paced Learning will be explored. Instructional characteristics will include: Festive atmosphere, Record keeping/ accountability / statistical analysis/match reports, Consistent team will draft, Formal scheduled competition, Sport Education Roles. Modified Games. It is intended to combine Sport Education and Games Concept Approach as both programs provide a focus of student centeredness, and the development of games play through the early immersion of students into modified games situations. The focus is not on traditional development of sports skills rather on wider learning outcomes.
Student teachers will have the opportunity to complete the International Rugby Union (IRB) Level 1, The Australia Rugby Union SMART Program and gain recognition by the Singapore Sports Council as registered coaches.

2nd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

The game of Hockey, while inherently exciting, is usually poorly taught in schools and is consequently labeled a 'dangerous' game. The course aims to provide Physical Education teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to present the game in a safe yet enjoyable manner to their students.

2nd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

This course is designed to impart basic softball skills and knowledge to student teachers for the purpose of teaching children in a school setting. The emphasis of the course is on providing ample opportunities to play the game as well as to learn how to demonstrate basic skills.

2nd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

This course is designed to assist student teachers develop their basic tennis skills to a level of efficiency which will enable them to introduce and teach the games to beginners in schools.

3rd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

This course will introduce the curriculum gymnastics to participants by means of thematic movement concepts based largely on floor activities and incorporating small and large apparati. The aims of curriculum gymnastics will be espoused. The basic vocabulary of movement will be enhanced with emphasis on the cognitive and affective development through the appropriate use of pedagogical styles. In addition, basic floor, kipping and vaulting skills will be taught with a focus on a mechanical understanding of the techniques involved as well as developing appropriate progression and competent spotting and an understanding of the biomechanical principles involved. Advances in video and computer technology will be introduced to student teachers to enhance their ability to analyse movement qualitatively. Participants will enhance self-confidence to teach gymnastics in a safe and fun way.

3rd Year

Pre-requisites: See@

Teaching methods and resource for the planning and instruction of folk and line dances in the primary and secondary school curriculum. Student teachers will learn dances from different cultures reflecting a variety of styles and techniques. In addition, student teachers are introduced to the methods of leading creative dance experiences for children. The teaching methods used enable the design of lessons appropriate for a wide range of ages, interests and developmental stages. It also aims to give student teachers a chance to discover the creative juice in them on draw on the elements of dance to create their own dances.

Curriculum Studies 1 for the BSc(Ed) (PESS) (Secondary)

Prescribed Courses - APC Series (from intake 2005-06 onwards)

3rd Year

This course aims to develop introductory teaching skills and stroke competencies in swimming. Student teachers will learn how to teach swimming to beginners by employing basic learn-to-swim and lead-up activities. Student teachers will be expected to practise, acquire and, finally, demonstrate correct and efficient technique in at least three out of the four swimming strokes (front crawl, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly). Other related skills of swimming such as floating, diving, and water games will also be introduced. Safety in and around swimming pools (and other aquatic environments) will be emphasized in this course. This course is primarily activity-based and hence, participation is required. Student teachers will be required to be in proper swimming attire for each lesson.

3rd Year

This course is designed to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach selected Track and Field Events. Biomechanical, physiological, anatomical, pedagogical and social issues and concepts will be used to show the link between the sciences and Track and Field events. The benefits of track and field as a vehicle for fun and fitness, as well as growth and development will be emphasised. In the second part of this course, basic coaching of Track & Field events will be emphasized so as to enable teachers to take charge of Track & Field as a CCA in the schools.

The Practicum is a very important component of the diploma programme. Its principal function is to provide student teachers with the opportunity to develop teaching competencies in a variety of instructional contexts and at different levels, under the guidance and supervision of cooperating teachers and university lecturers. They will learn from experienced cooperating teachers about the schooling process and prepare themselves for their roles and responsibilities in teaching.

During the Practicum, student teachers will be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired in the subjects they read at the university, and have opportunities to integrate theory and practice in schools.

The Practicum is spread throughout the entire course of study and is developmental in nature. It comprises four school attachment periods, i.e., School Experience (SE), Teaching Assistantship(TA), Teaching Practice 1 (TP1) and Teaching Practice 2 (TP2).

1st Year

APR101 - School Experience ( SE )

No. of AUs = 0

This is 2 weeks long, with 1 week in a primary school and 1 in a secondary school. The purpose for this is to provide student teachers opportunities to observe lessons in the primary and secondary classrooms.

2nd Year

APR201 - Teaching Assistantship ( TA )

Pre-requisites: SE

No. of AUs = 3

Next the student teachers will undergo a 5-week TA. Its purpose is to provide them opportunities to observe their Cooperating Teachers (CTs) teach and to reflect on the roles and responsibilities of a teacher.

3rd Year

APR301 - Teaching Practice I ( TP I )

Pre-requisites: TA

No. of AUs = 6

The 3rd component is TP1. It is 5 weeks long. Its purpose is to help the student teachers begin to learn to teach independently. They will learn to plan their own lesson segments to teach, prepare the relevant resources and manage pupils independently, in consultation with their CTs. They will continue to be provided opportunities to observe their CTs teach.

4th Year

APR401 - Teaching Practice II ( TP II )

Pre-requisites: TPI

No. of AUs = 12

TP2 is the last component of the Practicum. It is 10 weeks long - this duration will provide time for student teachers to have a more holistic school attachment experience which would include exploring other aspects of a teacher's life besides classroom teaching, for e.g. observing how CCAs are mangaged.

In addition to the core courses and the required number of prescribed electives, student teachers in the Secondary track must offer 3 AUs of general electives which can be chosen from subject offered by the University, whether within or outside the Institute.

This section provides a list and description of the general electives offered in NIE/PESS.

Student teachers are responsible for ensuring that the courses they select do not clash on the class timetable and the examination timetable.

Pre-requisites: Non-PE student teachers

Basic scientific knowledge about one's body and the use of this information and understanding to improve health and wellness through exercise, diet and stress management techniques.

APA280 - Weight Training

Weight (resistance) training techniques, terminology, and methods. Safety procedures related to the use of both fixed equipment and free weights. The principles of specificity, overload, and adaptation in relation to strength training, endurance training, power training, and circuit training. Basic physiology is introduced.

APA281 - Aerobics

Teaching aerobics classes in school. Utilising fitness principles from the 'Fitness and Conditioning' course and adapting them to an aerobics setting. Instruction in low and high impact activity and insights into class flow and choreographing a routine. Resistance training. Construction and organisation of routines in a workshop setting.