Physical Education
Do you have a passion for sport and exercise? Are you fascinated by the human body? Do you want to influence the diet and exercise habits of the nation? Would you like to be the best sports performer that you can be?
Have you ever pondered the following questions...Why do some people run faster than
others? How does your personality affect your sporting performance? Why do people take drugs in sport?
If the answer is yes, then A Level Physical Education could be the subject for you.
Studying A Level Physical Education will give you a fascinating insight into the world of sports performance. Not only will you have the chance to perform or coach a sport, 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 for students. You will be able to perform and then through academic study improve your performance or coaching using the application of theoretical concepts. You will be equipped with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills related to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of Physical Education.
You will also develop the transferable skills of: decision making, psychological understanding of people, independent thinking, problem solving, analytical skills as well as being able to think and act under pressure.
Course Content
- Component 1: Scientific Principles of Physical Education - This encompasses the topic of applied anatomy and physiology and the topic of exercise physiology and applied movement analysis.
- Component 2: Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education - In this section you study the acquisition of skill, sports psychology and the role of sport in society.
- Component 3: Practical Performance - Sporting skills are performed in one physical activity as a player/performer or coach.
- Component 4: Performance Analysis and Performance Development
Programme - In the role of player/performer or coach you analyse two components of physical activity (one physiological component and either a tactical or technical component), then complete a 10 week training programme to improve your performance in your chosen sport.
Assessment
Component 1: Scientific Principles of Physical Education
This is a written examination of 2 hours and 30 minutes and is 40% of the qualification.
Component 2: Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education
This is a written examination of 2 hours and is 30% of the qualification.
Component 3: Practical Performance
This is a non-examined assessment: internally assessed and externally moderated. It is 15%
of the qualification.
Component 4: Performance Analysis and Performance Development Programme
This is a non-examined assessment: internally assessed and externally moderated. It is 15%
of the qualification.
FAQs
How often do I need to be participating in my chosen sport?
It is recommended that you undertake 54 hours in order to be assessed.
Which sports can I do for my practical assessment?
There is a list of possible sports/activities which is available from the Edexcel/Pearson
website.
website.
What level of sport do I need to be playing at to be best suited for A Level Physical
Education?
Education?
You need to be playing weekly outside of school in your chosen sport at a competitive or
performance level.
performance level.
Do I need to have studied GCSE Physical Education to take A Level?
No, however it is advantageous. If not undertaken at GCSE you need to have achieved high grades in English, Mathematics and Science.
Where can A Level Physical Education take me?
This course strongly positions students to access a growing number of Physical Education, Sport and Higher Education Programmes. Careers you may consider are: Sports Science, Sports Journalism, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Teaching, Media, Armed Forces, Professional Sportsperson, Personal Training, Uniformed Services, Sports Coaching or Sports Policy both at a local or national level.