Not only will you have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, you will also develop a wide-ranging knowledge of the how and why of Physical activity and sport.
The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity. You can perform, and then through the academic study improve your performance or coaching though application of the theory.
Physical Education is studied through a range of different contexts and the impact it has on both ours and other’s everyday lives. You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people outperform others, mentally and physically. You will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also the influence that modern technology is having in and on physical activity and sport.
Key features:
- Simple, straightforward assessment structure
- All key areas of study covered
- Opportunities to either coach or perform in an activity
- Provides an excellent grounding for further study in this or many other areas
What you'll learn
Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance
Students gain a deeper understanding of key systems in the body and how they react to changes in diet and exercise. They also study the effects of force and motion on the body and how they can be used to our advantage.
There are three topics:
- Applied anatomy and physiology
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics
Component 02: Psychological factors affecting performance
Students study the models and theories that affect learning and performance in physical activities, how different methods of training and feedback work and why their effectiveness differs from person to person. They also explore the psychological factors that affect group dynamics and the effects of leadership and stress.
There are two topics:
- Skill acquisition
- Sports psychology
Component 03: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
This component focuses on the social and cultural factors that have shaped sports over time, and their influences on physical activity. Students consider the impact of hosting a global sporting event such as the Olympic Games, and the influence of modern technology on both the performer and the spectator of contemporary sport.
There are two topics:
- Sport and society
- Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport.
Component 04: Performance in physical education
Students are assessed in the role of either performer or coach in one practical activity. They are required to demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions.
Students are also assessed in the Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI). They observe a live or recorded performance by a peer and provide an oral analysis and critical evaluation of their peer’s performance.
How you'll learn and be assessed
30% non-exam assessment giving you the opportunity to apply the theory to your own sporting performance (as either a coach or a practitioner) and also to analyse performance in your chosen sport.
- Non- Exam Assessment (NEA). One practical performance, as either a coach or a performer in an activity.
- NEA. One Performance Analysis task.
- A total of four hours assessment split over three examination papers (2x one hour and 1x two hour) taken at the end of the two year course.
- A wide range of question types including: single mark, short answer and extended response questions.
- The opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of both theory and performance skills in both your NEA and through the examinations.
Progression
Where can A Level Physical Education take me?
- A Level Physical Education is an excellent base for a university degree in sports science, sports management, healthcare, or exercise and health. Physical Education can also complement further study in biology, human biology, physics, psychology, nutrition, sociology and many more.
- A Level Physical Education can open up a range of career opportunities including sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, personal training or becoming one of the next generation of PE teachers. The transferable skills you learn through your study of Physical Education, such as decision making and independent thinking are also useful in any career path you choose to take.
Entry requirements
You will need five relevant, exam-based GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) or above, including English language, maths and PE.
Although BTEC qualifications and coursework-based GCSEs may be useful for specific subjects, they would normally be taken into account only once the basic entry requirements have been met. Additional specific GCSE grades are necessary for many of the subjects.
