There are many new subjects that can be studied at GCSE level by students in schools and colleges and skating is just one of them. Rather than taking exams at the end of two years of study, students can take part in assessments throughout the two years with marks counting towards a final grade. Skating can be studied as part of a Physical Education GCSE with both practical and theoretical assessments being undertaken.

Many schools encourage sports such as skating both as part of a curriculum and extra curricular as sport will encourage children and teenagers to socialise as well as keeping fit and active. Just a couple of types of activity involving skating are roller hockey and figure skating. For figure skating children require a good pair of ice skates specially designed for this particular type of skating which typically have a set of jagged teeth on the front of the boot which is used when performing jumps. This type of skating can be performed as an individual as well as in couples or groups and so is a very versatile sport for anyone to take part in, forming a section of a GCSE award.

Roller hockey is perhaps not as popular as figure skating within the national curriculum but is certainly popular as an extra curricular activity providing an excellent opportunity for children to take part in a group activity and build fitness levels. All types of skating will provide excellent levels of fitness as well as coordination and concentration skills which are all required in everyday life situations.

Schools may ask children to provide their own skates but many schools will purchase ice skates and roller skates if they are to be used in extra curricular activities.