Physical Education is a great subject to study at A Level for those that are interested in the world of sport. We look into areas such as sports science, sports psychology, biomechanics, commercialisation and the media, injuries / physiotherapy and may more.

• GCSE English Language grade 4 or above
• GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or above
• Students must play a competitive sport where they are able to gain practical video evidence within a real game / event / competition. This accounts for 15% of the final PE grade. A list of accepted sports can be found on pages 37-41 of the following link.

Paper 1 – Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
During this unit the emphasis is placed upon learning the basics of skill acquisition, anatomy and physiology, and ways in which a performer can train in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Students will look in more detail at the ways in which exercise impacts upon the circulatory and respiratory systems as well as ways in which a performer can learn new skills. The unit will also look at the socio-cultural issues within sport.

Paper 2 – Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
There are three key components to this unit –exercise physiology and biomechanics, sports psychology and sport, society and technology. These three aspects are taught separately and make up the final examination in this subject.

All of the work done relates these three very different areas back to sport and sports performances, and can be intriguing and beneficial to sportspeople of all standards.

Non-exam assessment – Practical performance in physical activity and sport
Students are assessed as a performer or coach in the full-sided version of one activity. Therefore it is imperative that the student is actively taking part in a fully competitive version of their chosen physical activity. They will also have to produce a written/verbal analysis and evaluation of their performance.

Paper 1
Written external examination: 2 hours, 105 marks.
This examination accounts for 35% of the overall A Level grade.

Paper 2
Written external examination: 2 hours, 105 marks.
This examination accounts for 35% of the overall A Level grade.

Practical performance
90 marks.
Students are internally assessed on their performance and written/verbal analysis of their performance by members of the PE department, and are externally moderated. This equates to 30% of the A Level grade.

The subjects students learn about will be invaluable at a personal level and will help them to be better at sport, no matter what the individual standard. This A Level also opens up a whole number of career options, for example as a PE teacher, sports coach, personal trainer, sports scientist, physiotherapist, nutritionist, or jobs within sports development.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.