AS/A2 Physical Education (level 3)

Improve your performance in physical activity (40% practical)

Is it for me?

The course suits those who enjoy sport, take regular exercise and who find working with other students very stimulating and personally challenging.

Assessment is predominantly exam based.

What’s involved?

AS

You will study three main theory areas as well as some practical:

• In Anatomy and Physiology, you will learn about the human body and factors affecting performance
• Acquisition of Movement Skills will develop your understanding of how we learn new skills and how coaches/teachers can help develop skills effectively
• Socio-cultural Studies looks at how society affects sport and sport affects society

Developing and Evaluating Practical Skills in Physical Education

Your performance will be assessed in two sports, which can be chosen from a wide range but must be from different categories of activity. You will also learn how to observe the performance of others and how to improve it.

A2

You will study three new areas of theory as well as one practical area:

• In History of Sport you will learn about the development of sports in this country and how they spread around the world and reflected the society of the time
• Sports Psychology covers how the mind impacts on performance and how we can improve/control the mind and reach optimum levels of performance
• Exercise Physiology is concerned with how we can train and improve the human physical capacity to do activity

The improvement of Performance and the Critical Evaluation of Practical Activities

You will be assessed in one sport and the assessment will be based on outcomes of the performance as well as the techniques used. You will also be assessed analysing a live performance and applying your theoretical knowledge to the situation.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* to C, with a Grade C or above in English Language preferred. If taken at GCSE level at least grade C or above is required. Level 2 BTEC Sport is acceptable if supported by 5 GCSEs.

Which courses go well with this?

This course combines well with any other A Levels. It links closely to Human Biology and Psychology and this combination can enable progression to Sports Science degrees. The course also combines well with Outdoor Education/Sport – (Outdoor Adventure) at Level 3 when combined with other A Levels. Combining with Business can be useful for a career in Leisure Management, while those looking to specialise in Physiotherapy often combine this course with Biology and/or Chemistry.

Progression:

Many students from this subject area continue into higher education in very similar areas such as Sports Science, Sports and Exercise Science, Sports Studies, Sports Coaching and Sports Development. A wide range of careers in the sports and leisure industry are also possible.