This course provides a natural progression for candidates who have studied GCSE Physical Education but should not be discounted by students who have not previously studied PE but have a strong interest in the subject.
It provides a balanced and broad based course, worthwhile in its own right as well as a transition for those intending to study courses at a Higher Education level in areas not necessarily related to Physical Education.
This subject works particularly well with: Sciences (Biology, Physics or Chemistry), History, Geography, Statistics, Technology, Psychology, and Dance.
Students will be expected to participate in sport regularly in their own time either as a performer or a coach.
The PE Department has outstanding facilities including two designated theory classrooms with ICT facilities, four badminton court sports hall, dance studio, gymnasium, full size astroturf and a state of the art fitness studio.
As part of the A Level PE course, all students are given free membership to the Fitness Gym.
Courses Offered
A Level PE (AQA 7582)
Syllabus Breakdown
The A level course consists of:
Paper 1 – 2 hours – 105 marks – 35% of A level
- Section A – Applied anatomy and physiology
- Section B – Skill acquisition
- Section C – Sport and society
Paper 2 – 2 hours – 105 marks – 35% of A level
Section A – Exercises physiology and biomechanics
Section B – Sport Psychology
Section C – Sport and society and technology in sport
Non-exam assessment – 90 marks - 30% of A level
Students are assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity plus a written/verbal analysis of performance.
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Applied anatomy and physiology #2 Skill acquisition
#3 Sport and society #4 Data/question analysis
#5 Exercise physiology and biomechanics #6 Sport psychology
#7 Sport and society and technology in sport #8 Analysis and/or evaluation (NEA)
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Grade 5 or above in a science-based GCSE. It is not essential to have taken GCSE PE. A genuine interest and enthusiasm for the world of sport both in practice and theory are essential.
Why Study PE?
The A Level Physical Education course develops many transferable skills: leadership, communication, resilience, independent thinking and problem solving, as well as the ability to draw together knowledge and analyse sources to construct extended essay type answers, all of which are essential for further study or future employment.
Students regularly secure places at Russell Group Universities, who recognise the value of these skills during their selection process.
Wider Opportunities
These include opportunities to take part in a range of trips, for example cycling at the Olympic Park Velodrome, Go Ape and University Sports Science Departments.
The department also offers regular trips to top level sporting events such as rugby internationals, national league basketball, championship football and T20 cricket, as well as a 6th form sports tour.
What Our Students Say
"The PE Department are very encouraging and change the way each lesson is taught - it keeps the subject interesting and engaging. Their relaxed nature keeps you feeling not too stressed about the subject."
"I am really enjoying the course; the lessons are interesting and the teachers are really enthusiastic. It links in well with my other subjects - Statistics, Biology and Chemistry."
What Can I Do Next?
Many previous students have gone on to study Higher Education courses such as Medicine, Business, Economics, Engineering and Product Design as well as the more obvious PE related courses. Studying PE does not limit your opportunities, it enhances them.
