Physical Education (A Level)

This course has been designed to allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the factors that enable both them and others to be physically active as part of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle.

What you will learn

The factors studied will include physiological, psychological and socio–cultural aspects that have an impact on participation and performance in physical activities.

How you will learn

Delivery of lessons will include, powerpoint presentations, group discussions, individual work, pair work, research tasks and more.

Year 1

Section A: Applied Anatomy & Physiology – in this unit you will cover the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, neuromuscular system and the musculoskeletal system as well as analysing their effects on movement in Physical activities.

Section B: Skill acquisition – Ever wondered how Tiger Woods was able to drive 200 yards at 3 years old? You will learn how performers acquire the skills they use in games, how they are best delivered by coaches and what psychological learning theory tells us about this process. Lastly, you will look into your brain and how it processes information to deliver the physical skills you use without thinking.

Section C: Sport & Society – Ever wondered where the sports you play started? How did they evolve into what you see on the TV today and what impact they have on every aspect of society. This section will delve into the fascinating history of sport and how their development and globalisation affects every one of us today.

Practical: Collection of evidence from own practical performances in line with specification. Including attacking and defending skills and the implementation of tactical strategies.

Year 2

Section A: Exercise Physiology & Biomechanics – You will cover diet and nutrition and their effects on physical activity and performance before devising training methods in order to maintain physical performance.

Section B: Sport Psychology – In this section we will enter into the mind of elite athletes. What makes them deal with the pressures around them? What impact do the audience, their own teammates, the media and their own expectations have on their performance? Looking at individuals as well as teams, this section will allow you to reflect on your own performance and how you could gain a psychological edge over opponents.

Section C: Sport & Society & Technology in Sport – Looking at how professional teams analyse performance and use the latest technology to track their players will be taught in this section. Looking critically at how different sports use technology at their disposal and the issues surrounding this. Also this section looks at deviance in sport as well as wider considerations in the sporting world.

Coursework: Evaluation & analysis of own performance in relation to elite performers. Students will draw upon relevant theory and suggest corrective measures.

Assessment 1. Features affecting participation in Physical Education, written examination, 2 hours, 35% of final grade.

To assess all A level subject content

• Contextualised questions to include multiple choice, data response, short & extended answers

Assessment 2. Factors affecting optimal performance in Physical Education, written examination, 2 hours 35% of final grade.

To assess all A level subject content

• A range of questions to include data response, short & extended answers

Assessment 3. Improving Personal Performance in Physical Education, non-examined assessment, 30% of final grade.

To assess

• Practical performance in 1 activity as a player / performer or coach
• Analysis and evaluation of personal performance

Please we will review applications for A Level PE following our Application Deadline. At this point a decision will be made on whether to run A Level PE or CTEC Sport. Applicants should review the Sport course to understand the differences. If a student only wishes to study A Level PE they must contact the College by emailing 6application@heathfieldcc.co.uk

College basic entry requirements

• Grade 6 or above in GCSE PE
• Grade 6 of above in GCSE English
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Science
• Regular participation in a competitive sport accepted by the exam board too at least club level for the entire duration of the course.

Where Next?

Completion of the Physical Education A Level can be used to help gain access to higher education, continued on the job training, or work in the sports industry.

Course Combinations

The course combines well with a wide range of A level subjects in the humanities and sciences, including Geography, Psychology and Biology.