A Level Physical Education

A Level PE combines the scientific principles of sport with the psychological and social factors that influence performance. Students develop a deep understanding of how the body and mind work together in physical activity while also being assessed on their own practical performance.
This course is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about sport and are considering careers in sports science, physiotherapy, data analysis, sport psychology, or related fields. It provides a strong academic foundation that supports progression to university study and a wide range of professional pathways within the expanding sports and health sectors.
With the UK sports industry now worth billions of pounds and supports over a million jobs, there has never been a better time for young people to pursue opportunities in this exciting and fast-growing field.

GCSE Entrance Requirements:

  • GCSE PE - Grade 5

  • English Language - Grade 5

  • Biology - Grade 5

Participation in extra-curricular activities and Sport outside of school is essential.

More info:

Combines well with

Head of Department:

Mr A Blakeway - ablakeway@hswv.co.uk

WHAT YOU STUDY

The A-Level covers a variety of topic areas.

  • Component 1: Scientific Principles of Physical Education provides an in depth look at the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Exercise physiology and applied movement analysis linked to biomechanics.

  • Component 2: Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education explores three topic areas of skill acquisition, sports psychology, sport and society.

  • Component 3: Practical Performance students will be assessed as either a performer or a coach in one physical activity from a set list.

  • Component 4: Performance Analysis and Performance Development Programme. Having analysed a specific physical performance, students will then create and evaluate a Performance Development Programme.

HOW YOU STUDY

You will learn in both a classroom and practical environment throughout the course. You will use a range of different learning styles to ensure you are fully engaged in the theoretical aspects of the course.

  • Component 1: This will be predominantly theory based lessons tied in to some practical application. You will be assessed through a final written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes - 140 marks (40% of qualification)

  • Component 2: This will be predominantly theory based lessons with some practical application. You will be assessed through a final written examination of 2 hours - 100 marks. (30% of qualification)

  • Component 3: Requires a minimum of 54 hours practical preparation time in a sport from the approved activity list. The unit is internally assessed, and externally moderated for your performance/ coaching - 40 marks (15% of qualification)

  • Component 4: You will produce a Performance Development Programme (PDP) piece of NEA coursework which is internally assessed and externally moderated - 40 marks (15% of qualification)

DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES

The department is extremely well resourced and the course is taught by experienced and well qualified staff. The course has been planned and resourced internally to support you to maximise your learning opportuninites to enhance your progress in the course. You will also have the opportunity to develop experience and knowledge through further sports opportunities outside of lesson hours. The practical spaces and fitness studio which are available to use are well equipped in order to support you with practical elements of the course.

 PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY/CAREERS

This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to further study at university. However, it also supports students who choose to progress directly to employment, as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give students an advantage in applying for a range of entry level roles or ‘school leaver’ industry training programmes and Higher Apprenticeships in areas such as sport and fitness training, coaching, and sports performance research.