Physical Education

Why study Physical Education?

Studying A Level Physical Education gives you a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance.  Not only will you have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, you 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.  Physical Education is studied though a range of different contexts and the impact it has on both our own and others’ everyday lives.  You learn the reasons why we do things, why some people out perform others, mentally and physically.  You will delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also the influence that modern technology is having on physical activity and sport.  A Level Physical Education is an excellent base for a university degree in sports science, sports management, physiotherapy, healthcare, or exercise and health.

Destinations for AHS students who studied this subject are on display outside the subject classrooms

AHS students can use Unifrog to explore how this subject might be used in life after A Levels

Entry requirements

If you have studied Physical Education at GCSE level, a grade 6 is required.  Several topics covered in the course are developments of work covered at GCSE but many are new.  If you have not studied GCSE PE, a grade 6 in Biology is required.

Special features of the course

From 2020, the list of practical activities has been expanded to include: Acrobatic gymnastics, Figure skating, Futsal, Ice hockey, Inline roller hockey, Sailing, Triathlon (sprint only), Water polo and Windsurfing.

See the link to exam board NEA information here

How is the course organised?

Topics include

●    Applied anatomy and physiology

●    Exercise physiology

●    Biomechanics

●    Skill acquisition

●    Sports psychology

●    Sport and society contemporary issues in physical activity and sport

●    Performance or Coaching  

●    Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI)

Assessment

●   One practical performance, as either a coach or a performer in an activity        Non Examination Assessment        15% 

●   One Performance Analysis (EAPI) task        Non Examination Assessment        15%

●   Three examination papers (2 x 1 hour and 1 x 2 hour) taken at the end of the two year course