The aim of the course is to prepare students for teaching in a variety of present-day school situations. Emphasis is placed on developing teaching competences in the full range of National Curriculum requirements for Physical Education and Health Education. The main elements of the Physical Education course are based on games, athletics, dance, swimming, gymnastics and outdoor activities. In Health Education the elements are: substance use and misuse; sex education; family-life education; health-related exercise; food and nutrition; personal hygiene; and the environmental and psychological aspects of health education. The course also involves professional studies through which students will gain an understanding of whole-school issues, counselling, personal and social education, and school experience.