Physical Education (PE)  

This is a very popular ‘A’ level taken in thousands of schools all over the country and is well respected by institutes of Higher Education. We are offering the full A-level to our students and all exams will be sat at the end of the 2 year course.

Sport and PE combine well with almost all subjects due to the wide range of study areas involved, but are particularly suited to combine with Biology, Maths, English, Psychology and Sociology.

Sports which can be assessed are:

Association Football Cycling (track or road) Hurling Skiing

Amateur Boxing Dance Kayaking Snowboarding

Athletics Diving Lacrosse Squash

Badminton Equestrian Netball Swimming

Basketball Gaelic Football Polybat Table Tennis

Blind Cricket Goal Ball Powerchair Football Tennis

Boccia Golf Rock Climbing Trampolining

Camogie Gymnastics Rowing Volleyball

Canoeing Handball Rugby League or Union Wheelchair Basketball

Cricket Hockey Sculling Wheelchair Rugby

Component 1: Physiological Factors Affecting Performance

This section takes in three areas: Anatomy & Physiology, Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics.

The different body systems will be covered in great detail in the context of sport and the effects of diet, ergogenic aids and different types of training. The three energy systems and biomechanical analysis are also included.

Component 2: Psychological Factors Affecting Performance

This section takes in two areas: Skill Acquisition and Sports Psychology.

It looks at the learning of movement skills, taking into account different methods of practice, guidance and feedback. It will also cover individual differences, like personality and attitudes, as well as group and team dynamics.

Component 3: Socio-cultural and Contemporary Issues

This section takes in two areas: Sport & Society and Technological Influences.

The emergence and evolution of modern sport is studied alongside more modern issues like ethics, deviance and the role of modern technology.

Component 4: Performance within Physical Education

In this section students are assessed in their practical performance (or as a coach) in one sport and an Evaluation and Appreciation of Performance for Improvement (EAPI) task that is done verbally.

This is assessed internally by teachers and moderated externally. It is worth 30% of the qualification.

Component 1 30% 2 hour written paper

Component 2 20% 1 hour written paper

Component 3 20% 1 hour written paper

Component 4 30% Performance (or coaching) in one sport and an EAPI Task

Overall Entry Requirements:

6 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including an English and Maths.

Course Specific Entry Requirements:

Students must have a keen interest in sport and participate in physical activity on a regular basis, playing a sport at club level. The ability to research different theoretical concepts is essential, applying practical examples whenever possible. Strong writing skills are advantageous as the exam paper contains questions that require an essay style answer. If you enjoy playing and watching sport, as well as reading about wider sporting issues then this could be the course for you.

Students must achieve at least a grade 6 in GCSE PE, including a grade 6 on the theory papers, plus grade 6 in English Language, Maths and Science. Students must also be competing in a sport from the approved list of activities outside of school. For students who didn’t take GCSE PE in Year 11 then GCSE Science, English and Maths results will be taken into account.

A-level PE is held in high regard by Institutions of Higher Education. Students can go on to study PE related subjects, like Sport and Exercise Science, or enter courses from different fields of study. This includes subjects with the Medical disciplines and Physiotherapy. There are currently students at Universities all over the UK who entered with PE as one of their qualifications. Others have moved successfully into employment in a variety of jobs.