A Level PE

Course Description

Our A Level in Physical Education develops knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to physical education. Students gain understanding of the scientific and socio-cultural factors that underpin physical activity, and demonstrate their ability as either performer or coach.

 

Why should I study A Level PE?

If you are interested in sport and leisure, or are planning a career in any of the following; physical education, teaching, physiotherapy medicine, sports journalism, psychologists, sport science or sport psychology - this is the course for you.  This qualification complements many other subjects including Biology, Psychology, and the History of Sport.

What will I study?

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
  • refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity/sport by developing skills & 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 a curious and enquiring mind
Assessment

Students overall grade at the end of Year 13 will be a breakdown of 70% theory and 30% practical. Throughout the course theory content delivered will be assessed through independent study of past paper questions, mid-term and end of term assessments. There is high expectation to see evidence of independent study throughout the course which is monitored with regular file checks.  Pupils are assessed in range of short answer, extended answer and synoptic questions.

Practically each student is assessed in one sport which they must provide a competition log for as required by the exam board. It is encouraged that pupils choosing A level PE participate regularly in a community club sport out of school, at the very least they must represent the school in the district league. Practical will be assessed internally and also moderated externally alongside A level groups from other secondary schools.

Careers

As a Sixth Form student, there are several options available to you for when you eventually leave after studying PE, A few of these possibilities are listed below and students have furthered their careers successfully in these areas. These can be studied at university or completed through workplace and study apprenticeships.

  •  PE Teacher
  •  Physiotherapist/ Sports Therapy and Massage
  •  Sport Development Officer
  •  Sports Psychologist
  •  Sports Nutritionist
  •  Sport Analyst
  •  Sports Journalism and Media
  •  Professional Sports Person
  •  Sports Coaching
  •  Careers in the Services
Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE PE. Grade 5 in GCSE Science and a practical sport is essential.

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