Course Features

A Level PE is an exciting and rewarding course with 70% assessed via examination and 30% based on performance and analysis. It covers a wide range of content (more details below) but broadly focuses on studying factors that affect both participation and optimal performance in physical activity and sport.

Course Content

Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the changes within the body prior to and during exercise.

Skill Acquisition

This section focuses on how skill is acquired and the impact of psychological factors on performance.

Sport and Society

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the interaction between, and the evolution of sport and society.

Exercise Physiology

Students should understand the adaptations to the body systems through training or lifestyle, and how these changes affect the efficiency of those systems.

Biomechanical Movement

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of motion and forces, and their relevance to performance in physical activity and sport.

Sport Psychology

In this section, students will develop knowledge and understanding of the role of sport psychology in optimising performance in physical activity and sport.

Role of Technology in Physical Activity and Sport

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the interaction between and the evolution of, the technological developments in physical activity and sport.

Assessment

Paper 1: Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Activity & Sport

2 hours (35% of total mark)

Paper 2: Factors Affecting Optimal Performance in Physical Activity & Sport

2 hours (35% of total mark)

Practical assessment as performer or coach plus analysis of performance (written or oral) (30% of total mark)