Welcome To A Level PE
Why Study Physical Education?
This exciting course is aimed at broadening students’ knowledge and understanding of the theory behind development and excellence in sport. It looks at Physical Education and Sport from both a theoretical and practical perspective.
Have you ever asked yourself?
“How does Usain run so fast?” – we compare your acceleration & speed to Usain Bolt
“How can they miss an easy shot like that?” – golfer missing an easy putt to win the Ryder Cup
“When is a tackle in sport classed as GBH?”
“Why does people watching me do something effect how I feel?”
There are three main theory units:
- Anatomy & Physiology and Biomechanical Factors
- Psychological Factors Affecting Performance
- Socio-Cultural Issues
Additionally, practical performance in a sporting activity is an essential requirement. The practical assessment contains performance within a competitive environment and written analysis and evaluation of performance.
The topics studied are designed to show students how the many factors involved in sporting development impact on the sport, performers, spectators and society as a whole.
Here is a glimpse of some of the factors involved:
How will I study?
The A Level PE course is delivered by Mr Hockridge, Mr Grattan, Mr Lloyd and Mr Peake. Each of these teachers have taught their individual area for numerous years and have gained an expertise in their areas.
A-level PE at Polesworth School fosters independent learning and encourages students to take ownership of their learning and development. You will develop independent study and future employability skills that will assist you throughout the PE course and future work and studies. You will complete initial research prior to starting in Year 12 and create revision resources throughout the course. There will be regular assessments, which will provide important feedback throughout the course. Within lessons the PE staff utilise class booklets, videos, group work, practical learning activities, social media and a range of quizzes and innovative approaches to maximise your motivation and potential.
Each area of theory aspect of the course will issue the students with the following –
- Minitest booklet – quick 10-mark quizzes to ensure retention of knowledge on regular basis
- Homework / revision booklet – students complete independently to develop knowledge and understanding
- Exam style question booklet -application of knowledge to show understanding
Individual Qualities and Study Demands
Students who choose to study A-Level in Physical Education will be required to carry out independent research into different areas of the topic and have an enthusiasm for reading around the subject area. An ability to work to deadlines, in small groups and individually is a must for this subject.
You are required to have a high interest in the subject and ideally compete and participate regularly in an individual or team sport.
Students that have taken PE have combined it with a wide range of other subjects from Art through to Physics. Some are keen to study the subject further at university, whilst many take the subject because they realise it is important to study something you enjoy.
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 or above in either GCSE PE or science.
A Level P.E – Course Structure
| Content | Assessment | Weighting |
| Applied anatomy and physiology
Topic headings: · Cardiovascular system · Respiratory system · Neuromuscular system · Movement analysis · Energy systems Skill acquisition: Topic headings: · Classifications of skills · Practice for learning · Learning and performance · Guidance and feedback · Information processing Sport and Society: Topic headings: · Emergence of sport in 21st Century · Sport and society |
2 Hour exam
Questions |
35% |
| Exercise Physiology:
Topic headings: · Diet and nutrition in sport · Preparation and training methods · Injury prevention and rehabilitation · Biomechanics Sport psychology: Topic headings: · Psychological factors that influence individuals in sport · Group dynamics · Goal setting · Attribution theory · Confidence · Leadership · Stress management Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport : Topic headings: · Concepts of physical activity and sport · Development of elite performers · Ethics in sport · Violence in sport · Drugs in sport · Sport and the Law · Commercialisation · Technology |
2 Hour exam
Questions |
35% |
| Practical Assessment: Performance in fully competitive context in one sport Analysis of performance:· A level – analyse defence and strategy and tactics |
Practical: Videoed evidence of one sport Analysis: Written evidence |
30% (15% performance and 15% analysis) |
Click here for the AQA exam specification
Where can A-Level PE take me?
The field of sport and leisure is a growing industry with over 600,000 jobs and revenue of over £28 billion. This sector of employment is evolving rapidly with new technology and revenue streams being developed. These range from the personal trainer to the complex infrastructure of a premiership club. Some of the careers students may explore are working with elite athletes, developing cutting edge technology, sports analysts, journalists, nutritionist, therapist, psychology and teaching to name a few. Polesworth students have go on to study sport at some of the most respected sporting Universities in England including Loughborough and Liverpool John Moore’s. Students have also used their A Level in PE qualification to go on to study other degree courses spanning as wide a field as Medicine, Journalism and Accountancy.
UCAS link – https://www.ucas.com/