A Level Physical Education

Why study this subject?

In PE you will cover a range of sporting topics in a fun, interesting and challenging way. The subject is taught by expert staff who annually achieve excellent results. Each teacher delivers a specialist subject area using a range of teaching styles, offering variety to the course. You will never find PE boring! Staff in the department have current exam board involvement, which gives them an insight into the subject requirements and further enhances your results.

Students are expected to undertake 3-4 hours of independent work each week for this subject.

Topics you will cover

A Level PE is a linear qualification which means you will sit two exams and submit all your non-exam assessment at the end of the course. The following topic areas will be studied for your exam:

Applied anatomy and physiology and biomechanical movement

Here you develop knowledge and understanding of the changes within the musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory and neuro-muscular systems prior to exercise, during exercise of differing intensities and during recovery.

You will study how the body uses energy systems during different types of physical activity and sport, and the recovery process. Biomechanics involves motion and forces, and their relevance to performance in physical activity and sport. You will learn how to use biomechanical definitions, equations, formulae and units of measurement, demonstrating the ability to plot, label and interpret biomechanical graphs and diagrams.

Skill acquisition and sports psychology

This section focuses on how skill is acquired and the impact of psychological factors on performance. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the principles required to optimise the learning of new, and the development of existing, skills. Topics include theories of learning and information processing.

Sports psychology looks at how to optimise performance in physical activity and develop the ability to understand and apply sport psychology theories such as levels of anxiety and confidence performers experience. In addition you will also learn to interpret graphical representations associated with skill acquisition and psychological theories

Sport and society and technology in sport

In this section you will trace the historical development of sports such as lawn tennis, athletics and association football exploring a range of influential factors such as the industrial revolution, the church and developments in communication. Modern day inequality issues in sport will also be explored with a focus on gender, disability and ethnicity.

You will also study the technological developments in physical activity and sport. Various ‘ethical issues’ in sport will be discussed including football hooliganism, drugs in sport and gamesmanship.

Practical performance in physical activity and sport

This unit counts for 30% of your A Level mark where you are assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity (15%). You also have to complete a written analysis of performance (15%). The list of activities accepted can be seen on AQA’s website.

Entry Guidelines

You must be actively competing in one of the approved activities on the exam board website.