Physical Education

Course Details

Video Introduction:

What is this course about?

Stimulating content is at the heart of the A-Level in Physical Education, which will give students a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports and performance. The content has been designed to allow learners to study Physical Education (PE) in an academic setting, enabling them to critically analyse and evaluate their physical performance and apply their experience of practical activity in developing their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

The A-Level in Physical Education will equip learners with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. This requires them to:

• develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance
• understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance
• understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity and sport
• understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport
• define their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
• develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance
• understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness
• improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds

This course is particularly suited to those who demonstrate physical sporting ability in one sport.

 Course Content

Physiological factors affecting performance (01) – 90 marks/2 hour written paper. Topics covered include:

Applied anatomy / Exercise physiology / Bio-mechanics

Physiological factors affecting performance (02) – 60 marks/1 hour written paper. Topics covered include:

Skill acquisition / Sports psychology

Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sports (03) – 60 marks/1 hour written. Topics covered include:

Sports and society / Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport

Performance in physical education (04) – 60 marks/non-exam assessment. Topics covered include:

Performance or Coaching / Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI)

What might this course lead on to?

This course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology. Learners will also develop the transferable skills that are in demand by further education, Higher Education and employers in all sectors of industry.

This specification will create confident, independent thinkers and effective decision makers who can operate effectively as individuals or as part of a team – all skills that will enable them to stand out and effectively promote themselves as they progress through life.

Our students have gone on to a wide range of careers including sports therapy, sports science, PE teaching, sports media and even professional athletes. Even if students go onto study a different subject at University, having a firm understanding of all aspects of Physical Education will ensure students have a secure understanding of how to lead an active, healthy lifestyle as well as fully understanding the psychological benefits sports can have on the mind.

Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 or higher at GCSE Physical Education.