A Level

Physical Education

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Physical Education (or BTEC Sport equivalent where appropriate). Students should also achieve a Grade 55 or higher in GCSE Science and a Grade 5 or higher in GCSE English and Maths.

Exam Board: OCR

Why Study Physical Education?

Physical Education is an exciting and engaging subject that combines the study of sport, exercise, health and performance. It enables students to develop a deeper understanding of how the body and mind work during physical activity, whilst considering the social, psychological and physiological factors that influence sporting performance.

The course challenges students to become analytical thinkers who can evaluate performance, apply scientific principles and understand the wider role of sport in society. Throughout the two years, students develop valuable communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and research skills, alongside the ability to analyse and improve performance.

Independent learning is a key feature of A Level PE. Successful students are enthusiastic about sport, willing to engage with both practical and theoretical elements of the course, and keen to apply their knowledge to real-life sporting situations.

What Topics Will I Study?

The course is divided into four main areas.

Students will study Physiological Factors Affecting Performance, which includes applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and biomechanics. This area focuses on how the body responds and adapts to exercise and how movement can be analysed to improve performance.
Within Psychological Factors Affecting Performance, students explore topics such as skill acquisition and sports psychology. This develops an understanding of how performers learn skills, maintain motivation and manage pressure in competitive situations.
The Socio-Cultural Issues in Physical Activity and Sport component examines the role of sport in society, including the impact of the media, commercialisation, ethics, violence and contemporary issues within modern sport.
Students also complete Performance in Physical Education, where they are assessed in one practical activity and undertake an Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI). This allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to their own sporting performance and identify strategies for future development.
Alongside the course, students may have opportunities to attend sporting visits and workshops, work with visiting coaches and professionals, support sports leadership programmes and explore potential careers within the sport and exercise industry.

How Will I Be Assessed?

The qualification consists of two examined components and one non-examined assessment component.

Physiological Factors Affecting Performance is assessed through a two-hour written examination and contributes 30% of the final A Level.

Psychological Factors Affecting Performance and Socio-Cultural Issues in Physical Activity and Sport are assessed through a one-hour written examination and together account for 40% of the qualification.

The remaining 30% comes from the Performance in Physical Education component, which includes practical performance in one activity and the Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI).

Compulsory Sporting Commitment

Students are expected to maintain regular participation in at least one recognised sport or physical activity throughout the course. Opportunities to contribute to extracurricular sport, leadership initiatives and school sporting events are strongly encouraged and form an important part of a student's development as a performer and leader.

A Level Physical Education combines the science of human performance with practical sporting excellence, making it an exciting and highly respected qualification for students with a passion for sport, exercise and lifelong physical activity.

What Careers or Higher Education Follows from this Subject?

A Level Physical Education provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of university courses and careers. Popular progression routes include Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Sports Therapy, Sports Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Coaching, Performance Analysis, Physical Education Teaching and Nutrition.

The qualification is also highly regarded by employers and universities because it combines scientific understanding with practical application and analytical thinking. Students develop transferable skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving and evaluation, making the subject valuable preparation for careers in healthcare, business, the police, armed forces, leisure management and many other professional fields.

Students have recently been accepted at the following Universities: