A level PE
A level Specification and Curriculum Overview
Exam Board - AQA
AQA Physical Education Specification
How is it taught?
This has always been a very popular course. Studying A Level Physical Education will give students an insight into sports performance. This qualification is accepted by Universities and Colleges nationwide as a recognised qualification for entry into higher education.
Learning outcomes require students to:
Perform or coach an activity through the Non-Examined Assessment (NEA), they will also develop a wide-ranging knowledge into physical activity and sport.
Combine physical performance and academic challenge which provides an exciting opportunity for students.
Gain knowledge to improve their own and others’ performance through application of theory, learnt within lessons
Learn the reasons why we do things, why some people outperform others – from a mental and physical point of view
Learn about the ethical considerations behind the use of deviant behaviour and the influence that modern technology is having on physical activity and sport
Course entry requirements
For those who have studied GCSE Physical Education, the minimum requirement is a Grade 7.
Students who have not studied GCSE PE will be considered, the Director of PE and Sport will assess a student's ability to study A Level PE based on individual cases
As there is a large biological content in the course, it is necessary that candidates have a good scientific background with at least a Grade 7 in Combined Science GCSE or a Grade 7 in Biology and Physics GCSE where taught as separate Science subjects.
Students should be participating, regularly in their chosen Sport. You are assessed in one sport, usually through practically participating or alternatively in a coaching capacity. You will demonstrate this participation and performance through video evidence of yourself in a fully competitive context.
Course content
Paper 1 - Worth 105 marks / 30% of final grade / 2 hour written paper / sat in Summer of Year 13
Section A: Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Neuromuscular Systems
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
Energy Systems
Environmental effects on body systems
Section B: Skill Acquisition
Skill acquisition
Learning, guidance and feedback
Memory
Section C: Sport and Society
Emergence of globalisation of sport in the 21st century
The impact of sport on society and of society on sport
Paper 2 - Worth 105 marks / 30% of final grade / 2 hour written paper / sat in Summer of Year 13
Section A: Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
Diet and Nutrition
Preparation and training methods
Injury prevention and rehabilitation of injury
Biomechanical movement including linear and angular motion and levers
Section B: Sport Psychology
Psychological factors that can influence an individual
Section C: Sport and Society and Technology in Sport
Concepts of physical activity and sport
Ethics in sport
Commercialisation and technology on physical activity and sport
Non-examined Assessment
Worth 90 marks / 30% of final grade / completed over the two year course
Analysis and Evaluation of Performance
This is a written task where students are asked to analyse a performer in their chosen sport (often themselves). They will demonstrate an excellent knowledge of the sport and skills involved, be able to identify and explain the movements in the sport and analyse the reasons for weaknesses and success in comparison with an elite performer or perfect model. They will use their theoretical knowledge to identify and evaluate a theoretical cause of weakness and construct a theoretical corrective measure against the weaknesses identified in the earlier stages of the work.
Performance or Coaching
Students are assessed in ONE PRACTICAL ACTIVITY
Students will be assessed based on their mastery of skills and techniques alongside effective performance in full, formal competitive situations.
Students will be assessed in their performance based on their ability to select and perform appropriate skills consistently, precisely and with control and fluency, adapting them to suit a variety of situations in authentic conditioned, competitive environments for their chosen activity. The assessment MUST include performance in full, formal competitive situations.
This will submitted as a video, demonstrating all the criteria required within the assessment - it will then be submitted to AQA as part of the evidence for the final NEA grade.
For more information speak to
Mrs Hartley, Director of PE and Sport, or your P.E. teacher
Helpful Resources
The EverLearner
We use 'The EverLearner' online programme to support our delivery of Academic PE at Borlase.
Please have a look at the link to explore their website - The EverLearner
Students will get their own log in username and password, for the duration of the course.