A Level Physical Education

What will I study?

The A-level specification in physical education should equip students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education.

Theoretical Knowledge

A-level exams in Physical Education include questions that allow students to demonstrate their ability to: draw together skills, knowledge and understanding from across the full course of study, demonstrate understanding of the relationships between theory and practice and provide extended responses. For the theory section of the course, a variety of topics will be examined over two papers.

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Skill acquisition
• Sport and society

Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
• Exercise physiology and biomechanical movement
• Sport psychology
• Sport, society and the role of technology

Synoptic assessment will be assessed in each component. It requires students to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and understanding from across the full course of study in order to demonstrate how they interrelate.

This content will be assessed with a 2 hour written exam paper (105 marks) including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Overall, the theory content is worth 70% of the final A-Level grade.

Practical Performance

Students will also be assessed on their practical performance through non-exam assessment. Students will be assessed as a performer or coach in a full-sided version of one activity. Students will also be assessed on their written/verbal analysis of performance.

It is vital that students are competing in sport at club level to gain the best possible marks within this element of the course. It is not possible for students to complete their practical performance within lesson time, therefore the majority of assessment will be completed using video recordings.

Students must select an activity from the approved AQA activity list, which can be found on their website. Not all sports will be included on this list.

Physical Education Extras

All aspects of the course will be delivered within Comberton's outstanding sports facilities, which will include the use of a new Sports Science Laboratory to support students on the course. The course would also work well alongside the academy structure that will be offered at Comberton focusing on high level performance within a few select sports.

Minimum Entry Requirements:

5 x 4s

4 in English and Maths

Subject Specific Entry Requirements:

6 in PE if taken at GCSE

Students must be competing in a sport at club level

* Please note that Level 2 vocational courses are the equivalent of 1 GCSE and only 1 will be counted towards the A-Level pathway entry requirements

What can I do with Physical Education after sixth form?

Students who study A-level PE have the potential to progress to a degree course within a sports, fitness or leisure subject area. This course would support students in achieving their career ambitions in becoming a sports scientist, coach, physiotherapist, sports psychologist, nutritionist or sports administrator. With opportunities also in education, the Services and in national governing bodies, there is endless potential!

This course matches particularly well with Human Biology, Sociology and Psychology.