What is the course about?

Studying A Level Physical Education will give 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 will 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. You can perform, and then through academic study improve your performance or coaching though application of the theory.

Course content

Physical Education is studied though a range of different contexts and the impact it has on both ours and other’s everyday lives. You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people out perform others, mentally and physically. You will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also the influence that modern technology is having in and on physical activity and sport.

Key features:

• Simple, straightforward assessment structure.
• All key areas of study covered.
• Opportunities to either coach or perform in an activity.
• Provides an excellent grounding for further study in this or many other areas.

Assessment

• Non- Exam Assessment (NEA). One practical performance, as either a coach or a performer in an activity. In addition to this, you will complete one Performance Analysis task.
• A total of four hours assessment split over three examination papers (2 x 1 hour and 1 x 2 hour) taken at the end of the two year course.
• A wide range of question types including: single mark, short answer and extended response questions.
• The opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of both theory and performance skills in both your NEA and through the examinations.

Career pathways

A Level Physical Education is an excellent base for a university degree in sports science, sports management, healthcare, or exercise and health. Physical Education can also complement further study in biology, human biology, physics, psychology, nutrition, sociology and many more. The qualification can open up a range of career opportunities including: sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, personal training or becoming one of the next generation of PE teachers. The transferable skills you learn through your study of PE, such as decision making and independent thinking, are also useful in any career path you choose to take.

Entry criteria

Minimum of grade 6 in a science GCSE and actively engaged in sporting performance or coaching at club level. Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Physical Education.