A Level: Physical Education

Our specification provides students with the exciting opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of PE and sport and its impact on both themselves and the community around them.

This qualification is studied though a range of different contexts:

Physical performance and mental preparedness

The course includes the delivery of 5 different components, which includes:

Component 1: Physical factors affecting performance Students gain a deeper understanding of key systems in the body and how they react to changes in diet and exercise. They also study the effects of force and motion on the body and how they can be used to our advantage. There are three topics: · Applied anatomy and physiology · Exercise physiology · Biomechanics.

Component 2: Psychological factors affecting performance Students study the models and theories that affect learning and performance in physical activities, how different methods of training and feedback work and why their effectiveness differs from person to person. They also explore the psychological factors that affect group dynamics and the effects of leadership and stress. There are two topics: · Skill acquisition · Sports psychology.

Component 3: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport This component focuses on the social and cultural factors that have shaped sports over time, and their influences on physical activity. Students consider the impact of hosting a global sporting event such as the Olympic Games, and the influence of modern technology on both the performer and the spectator of contemporary sport. There are two topics: · Sport and society · Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport.

Component 5: Practical performance Students are assessed in the role of either performer or coach in one practical activity. They are required to demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions.

Component 6: Evaluating and analysing performance for improvement. Students are also assessed in the Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement. They observe a live or recorded performance by a peer and provide an oral analysis and critical evaluation of their peer’s performance.

Students will be assessed both theoretically within examinations and practically for the following components: Component 1: Physical factors affecting performance – 2 hour written paper (30%) Component 2: Psychological factors affecting performance – 1 hour written paper (20%) Component 3: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport – 1 hour written paper (20%) Component 5: Practical performance – NEA assessment on 1 chosen activity (playing or coaching) (15%) Component 6: Evaluating and analysing performance for improvement – NEA assessment on 1 activity (15%) AS Level (Y12) - Complete Components 1, 2, 5 & 6 A Level (Y13) - Complete Components 1,2, 3, 5 & 6

 A minimum of two grade 5 and four grade 4 passes and a minimum of a Grade 5 in GCSE PE (if studied at GCSE). Students who have not studied GSCE PE are also available to select this course, as long as: Students must be competing in a minimum of 1 sport either outside of school or join a school team/after school club as part of the practical assessment. Being a sporting enthusiast is essential and having a sound knowledge and an enthusiasm for biology would also be an advantage to the course. Regular attendee at the sixth form multi-sports after school club also required.

By studying A-Level Physical Education you will explore a wide range of sport disciplines that can then be related to future careers available in the ever-growing sports industry.