GCSE PE

GCSE PE Watersports

Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking & Canoeing for GCSE Assessment

At Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC), we provide schools with a unique and engaging way to deliver the practical component of GCSE PE through watersports.

Located in the heart of Southampton with direct access to Southampton Water, SWAC offers an outstanding environment for students to develop, perform, and be assessed in a range of approved activities including dinghy sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Why Choose Watersports for GCSE PE?

Watersports offer an exciting and highly rewarding alternative to traditional GCSE PE activities. They develop:

Balance, coordination and agility
Decision-making and problem-solving
Confidence and independence
Teamwork and communication
Resilience in a dynamic outdoor environment

For many students, these activities provide an opportunity to excel outside of mainstream sports, often achieving higher levels of performance and engagement.

GCSE PE Activities We Offer

Dinghy Sailing (Racing or Recreational)

Students learn boat handling, sail control, and tactical awareness while developing independence on the water. Sailing can be assessed individually or as part of a crew, (assessment is as a helm).

Windsurfing

A dynamic and physically engaging activity that develops balance, coordination, and control. Ideal for students who enjoy fast-paced, skill-based sports.

Kayaking

A versatile paddle sport suitable for all abilities. Students develop stroke technique, manoeuvring skills, and water awareness.

Canoeing

Focuses on control, teamwork (in open canoes), and journeying skills. Excellent for building communication and leadership.

Students must be assessed in three different PE activities in the role of player/performer: one of these must be a team activity and one must be an individual activity. The third activity may come from either list. Candidates may only be assessed once in any activity, e.g. they may be assessed in single handed dinghy sailing or as helm in a fully crewed dinghy or keelboat but not both. Sailing and windsurfing however are considered separate sports. If a paddler selects kayaking then they cannot also use canoeing and vice versa.

These activities are assessed through practical performance, usually requiring video evidence of specific skills, techniques, and competition.

RS_Feva

Fully Supported GCSE Delivery

We understand the requirements of GCSE PE assessment and can support schools with:

Structured sessions aligned to exam board criteria
Progressive skill development across multiple visits
Opportunities for performance evidence and assessment
Qualified instructors with extensive teaching experience
Safe, controlled, and professionally managed sessions

We can work alongside your PE department to ensure sessions are fit for purpose and aligned with your curriculum.

Flexible Programme Options

We offer a range of delivery models to suit your timetable:

Weekly PE sessions (ideal for sustained development)
Activity days (intensive skill-building)
Short courses or blocks
After-school or enrichment programmes

All sessions are designed to maximise time on the water while maintaining high safety and teaching standards.

Two assessment routes exist, recreational and competitive. Choose based on your activity involvement and skill level. The recreational route typically awards fewer points due to lower competency criteria. The competitive route demands higher personal ability, allowing for higher marks and grades. Exact assessment criteria does vary between exam boards.

If you select the competitive route your PE teacher will assess your video evidence, firstly showcasing skills during training sessions with us. Secondly displaying skills in a competitive sailing event, such as club level with us or regional or national competitions.

The SWAC Advantage

City-centre waterfront location with immediate access to open water
Wide, varied operating area ideal for progression and assessment
Reliable wind conditions compared to inland venues
Multiple slipways and pontoon access at all states of tide
Modern classrooms and changing facilities
A broad fleet of training craft across multiple disciplines. The following classes of boat are accepted by the DfE
- FOR TEAM SPORT
  - RS Feva – double handed dinghy suited to a combined sailor weight of 85-110 kg
- FOR INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY
  - RS Terra Sport – single handed dinghy suited to sailors weighing 34-45 kg
  - ILCA 4 – single handed dinghy suited to sailors weighing 55-70 kg
  - ILCA 6 – single handed dinghy, suited to sailors weighing 60-78 kg (not OCR exam board)
  - ILCA 7 – single handed dinghy, suited to sailors weighing 73-90 kg (not OCR exam board)
  - Bic Techno – windsurfer suited to sailors 30-68 kg

GCSE Non-exam assessment Exam boards and syllabus links (sailing)

Pathways Beyond GCSE

Students introduced to watersports through GCSE PE can continue with:

RYA certified courses and qualifications
School or community sailing clubs
Instructor training pathways
Lifelong participation in watersports

Book a Visit or Discuss Your Programme

We would be delighted to work with your school to develop a GCSE PE watersports programme.

👉 Visit us at one of our teacher open days
👉 Or contact us to arrange a bespoke visit

Email: info@chieftain.training