6th Form: GCE Sport and Physical Education

Course content

An A Level in Physical Education provides an excellent basis for study for jobs in education, leisure, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and social services.  Over the two years of this course, you will have the opportunity to experience and develop an interest in a variety of roles such as performer, official, leader or coach and to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the modern day sporting arena and  current developments in sports such as the impact of new sports technology, sport specific rehabilitation and the use of ergogenic aids. It will be essential that students keep up their sporting involvement in the two roles being marked and take regular video footage showing them performing the key skills involved in both roles.

AS Units:

Unit 1:  Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle
This unit looks at applied physiology, skill acquisition and opportunities for participation, and examines the application of theoretical knowledge to a practical situation. You will be assessed through a two hour written exam.

Unit 2: Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as performer and/or in adopted role/s
Candidates are assessed on their ability to perform analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in isolation and a structured practice in a choice of roles, including performer, umpire, referee or coach, among others. In addition, you will consider the theoretical factors which improve performance. This unit will be assessed  internally.

A2 Units:

Unit 3: Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport
In this unit you will study how the application of physiological factors
and knowledge can optimise performance as well as study contemporary influences in sport and their impact on the performer. This is assessed by a two hour written paper.

Unit 4: Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation
In this unit you will be  assessed on your ability to perform, analyse and evaluate your own performance of the core skills/techniques in a competitive situation as either performer, umpire/referee/official or organiser/leader/coach. This unit will be assessed internally.

Career Possibilities

This A Level may give you access to courses and careers in Physiotherapy, Psychology, Sociology, Sports Management, Sports Science, Sports Coaching and Teaching.
 
GCSE Grade Profile

Students who wish to study this subject will normally achieve A* to C in a range of subjects.  In addition students usually have B grades in GCSE Science and English. It is not necessary to have taken GCSE Physical Education but this would be considered an advantage.