PHYSICAL EDUCATION

THE COURSE

A-level PE is a course which has a variety of challenges and will enable you to develop a range of skills that will be of benefit to you in your future career or studies.

You will be covering a wide range of topics over the two years.  One section is all about the physiological factors that affect sporting performance.  In this section we look at how our anatomy and exercise physiology combine with biomechanics to help us perform.  

The second section of the course covers how psychological factors can affect sporting performance.  In this section we examine how we learn and develop physical skills and how important sports psychology is to modern sporting performance.  

The last theoretical section of the course explores the socio-cultural issues in modern physical activity and sport.  In this section we explore how sport has developed over time, how it has been shaped by society and how contemporary issues such as technology and media are shaping and influencing sport and exercise.  

The fourth section of the course is split into two.  One part is your coursework, which is a controlled assessment where you evaluate and analyse the performance of a peer and try to improve their physical and practical performance.  This is done in a recorded presentation format.  The second part is your practical assessment which can be either as a practical performer in the sport of your choice or as a coach in the sport of your choice.  This part of the course is worked on throughout the two years with at least one practical lesson a week, with the final assessments happening around Easter time of your Y13.

All A level PE students are encouraged to volunteer and assist with coaching duties in whatever activity they would like to help out with.  This can be in curriculum time or in our extra-curricular programme.  Some students use their coaching work with us as evidence towards their practical grade.  We would expect you to be proactive and independent in developing your fitness throughout the course and you will be able to have access to our fitness suite to help with this.

Assessment

For A level PE you will sit three exams at the end of the two year course.  A two hour paper on the physiological factors that affect performance (worth 30% of your grade).  A one hour paper on the psychological factors that affect performance (worth 20% of your overall grade) and another one hour paper on the socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport (worth 20% of your overall grade).  The final 30% of your grade is made up from your performance as either a performer or a coach in your chosen activity and the controlled assessment coursework mentioned above.  

The variety of assessment methods and challenges throughout the course are great for your CV and to prepare you for the rigours of University or the practical challenges of apprenticeships or full-time work.