A Level Course Listing

Physical Education

A Level Physical Education focuses on performance and participation in sport. This involves applying sport physiology, psychology and sociology to practical performance. Experienced staff and excellent facilities will aid your practical performance in your chosen field, which often improves dramatically through applying acquired knowledge to training and competition.

The subject combines well with sciences such as biology, physics and psychology and the arts, such as English, history and geography. It is widely accepted by the country’s leading universities as an excellent subject choice at A Level. Sport unites nations from all over the world, inspires generations and energises economies. With the sport and leisure industry currently booming in Britain and growth in areas such as Sports Science, Management, Sponsorship, Agencies and Nutritionists, the study of Physical Education has never been so relevant to modern day society.

Alongside a genuine understanding of how physical activity and exercise affects everyone, from elite athletes to the elderly, A Level Physical Education teaches skills such as leadership, motivation, feedback and teamwork; all of which prepares you for life after the College.

Where can it lead?

A Level Physical Education could lead you into areas such as Sports Management, Physiotherapy, Strength and Conditioning, Sports Science, Coaching, Teaching, Sports Medicine, Sports Therapy, Sports Nutrition or Sports Psychology.

Course Outline

Examination board: AQA 7582

Entry Requirements

At least a grade 6 at GCSE PE (if studied), or at least a 6 in GCSE Biology.

Exams

Summary: 70% theory (exam) and 30% coursework and practical performance.

Paper 1:

Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport.

What is assessed?

Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology

Section B: Skill acquisition

Section C: Sport and society

How it is assessed?

Written exam: Two hours. 105 marks. 35% of A Level.

Exam structure:

Questions in three sections: A, B and C.

Each section comprises multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

35 marks for each section.

Paper 2:

Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport.

What is assessed?

Section A: Exercise physiology and biomechanics

Section B: Sport psychology

Section C: Sport, society and technology in sport

How it is assessed?

Written exam: Two hours. 105 marks. 35% of A Level.

Exam structure:

Questions in three sections: A, B and C.

Each section comprises multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.

35 marks for each section.

Non-exam assessment:

Practical performance in physical activity and sport

What is assessed?

You will be assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity.

Plus: Written/verbal analysis of performance.

How it is assessed?

Internal assessment, external moderation.

90 marks. 30% of A Level.