A Level: Physical Education PE

The course allows you to pursue your sporting passions by developing a broad theoretical understanding of factors that affect both participation rates within society as well as the performance levels of elite athletes. Paper one of the qualification is based on factors that affect participation; content includes the effect of exercise on a range of body systems, the process of learning new skills and the societal factors that impact upon opportunities that different individuals might be afforded. Paper two is focused on the factors that affect elite performance. This content includes exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sports psychology as well as the role of technology within professional sport.

Please note; this subject is closed to new applications for the 22/23 academic year as it is over subscribed

There are three main elements to the A level PE: Factors affecting participation in physical activity sport, Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education, Practical Performance and performance analysis and development.

Students will study the following topics:

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Exercise physiology and applied movement analysis
• Skill acquisition
• Sport psychology
• Sport and society

The final section of the course, that makes up 30% of the qualification, is the assessment of practical performance and a written coursework that challenges learners to apply their newly developed theoretical knowledge to analyse and evaluate their own performance levels.

For the practical learners will demonstrate and be assessed on Skills performed in one physical activity as a player/performer or as a coach. Learners will also either analyse two components of a physical activity (one physiological component and either a tactical or technical component) or in the role of player/performer or coach analyse, implement and evaluate a Performance Development Programme.

Five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including

• GCSE English – Grade 6
• GCSE Mathematics – Grade 6
• Two GCSEs in Science – Grades 66
• As practical coursework is a large part of the course (30% of the overall A level), you will need to self-assess and improve your performance. Students, therefore, need to be training and competing in one sport discipline to a high standard. We strongly advise that this is at county level.
• Numbers on A level Physical Education are limited and once the course is full applicants who meet the entry criteria will be put on a waiting list.

Students may progress onto a degree or a degree apprenticeship in the sports and exercise science sector e.g. dietician, physiotherapist or teacher. Degrees in Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Coaching, Sport Management, Physiotherapy, Sport Journalism, Sport Performance, Sport Psychology are all popular choices after this course.