Physical Education
Why study A-level PE?
The PE team will guide students towards the course that best suits their strengths and interests, either A-level PE or the BTEC Extended Certificate.
- Qualification
- A-level
- Course length
- Two years
- Exam board
- AQA
- Assessment
- Two exams + practical
Course introduction
Please note: this video covers 3 courses, A-Level PE and the two BTEC Courses.
Studying A-level Physical Education will give you a fantastic insight into the world of sports performance.
Not only will you have the chance to perform and be assessed in a chosen sport, you will also develop a wide-ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport. The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. You will develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance. In the practical performance component of the course, you will refine your ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques, using tactics and strategies and analysing and evaluating to improve performance. The course will also give you the opportunity to improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.
- Course Title
Physical Education
- Examination Board
AQA
- Linear Qualification?
Yes
Entry requirements
Grade 6 at GCSE level Physical Education. Grade 6 at English language and in a science
A-Level Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 at GCSE level Physical Education
- Grade 6 at English language
- Grade 6 in a Science
- Regularly play sport outside school to a high standard
Course content
The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills you will have acquired studying GCSE physical education. During the course, you will study seven theoretical areas: applied anatomy and physiology, skill acquisition, sport and society, exercise physiology, biomechanical movement, sport psychology and the role of technology in physical activity and sport. In addition to this, you will be assessed as a performer or coach in one practical activity.
What you will study
- Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport. Applied anatomy and physiology, Skill Acquisition, Sport and Society.
- Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and performance. Exercise physiology and biomechanics, sport psychology, sport and society, technology in sport.
- Practical performance in physical activity and sport. Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity plus a written/verbal analysis of performance.
Assessment
Non-exam assessment
- Practical performance in physical activity and sport
- 30% of your A-level (90 marks)
- Internal assessment, external moderation.
- Minimum 2 hours per week NEA preparation expected.
A-level – 2 Year Course
Paper 1 (35% of A-level) Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport 2 hour paper, 105 marks, multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology Section B: Skill acquisition Section C: Sport and society
Paper 2 (35% of A-level) Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport 2 hour paper, 105 marks, multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions Section A: Exercise physiology and Biomechanics Section B: Sport Psychology Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport
Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport
30% of A-level Internal assessment, external moderation. 90 marks.
Future pathways
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. It 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.
Contact the subject team
Ask questions about the course and discuss your choices with us.