You will learn in depth about how the body works from an anatomy and physiology movement perspective (skeleton, muscles, heart and lungs, energy systems and training), from a psychological view (learning of skills, memory, factors that affect performance, functioning as a group) and a social, historical and cultural point of view.
Lessons will be a mixture of formal taught lessons, group work, presentations and videos. There are not any practical lessons in A level PE.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Year 1 topics covered in Paper 1:
- Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology
- Section B: Skill acquisition
- Section C: Sport and society
How it's assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
Questions
- Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
- Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
- Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Year 2 topics in Paper 2:
- Section A: Exercise physiology and biomechanics
- Section B: Sport psychology
- Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport
How it's assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
Questions
- Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
- Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
- Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Non-examination assessment:
Students are assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity.
Plus coursework: written/verbal analysis of performance.
How it's assessed
- Internal assessment, external moderation
- 90 marks
- 30% of A-level
Entry requirements
You should have a genuine interest in sport both at a practical and theoretical level. You must be willing to keep up to date with current sporting news and events in the newspapers and on the television in order to widen your general knowledge of social and political aspects, as well as the sports themselves. You will be required to have at least Grade 6 in GCSE Physical Education and have achieved a minimum of Grade 6 in Science.
You must be taking part, in your own time, in ONE sport to a very high competitive standard e.g. district or county level and above on a regular basis, or at a club. This activity needs to be sustained for the whole duration of the course as the assessment can only take place in a competitive context at the end of the second year.
You will be assessed on your ability to perform effectively as a practical performer in a fully competitive version of your chosen activity.
