Physical Education

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A-LEVEL PHYSICAL EDUCATION?

A-Level Physical Education provides a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance. You will be a talented sports performer wanting to use your playing or coaching abilities towards a qualification, by learning the physiological, biomechanical and psychological principles that underpin sports performance. It is an academically rigorous course that will challenge you to develop the skills needed for several sport-related professions.

WHAT WILL I LEARN ABOUT?

The course is wide and varied, enabling you to consider a range of different contexts in Physical Education. Through examined assessment, you will learn about numerous physiological mechanisms in the body related to the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems that impact both participation and performance. You will consider if these mechanisms can be developed and used as pre-determinants of success. You will also consider the biomechanical principles of performance e.g. how will body position alter the angular velocity of a gymnast when somersaulting?

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

You will be examined in two papers each worth 35% of the A level.  PAPER 1: Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Activity and Sport.  PAPER 2: Factors Affecting Optimal Performance in Physical Activity and Sport.  The Non-Examination Assessment (NEA) is worth 30% of the A level. The NEA involves students being assessed as a performer or coach plus a written/verbal analysis of performance.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

You will develop skills in:

Research.
Self-reflection.
Independence.
Communication.
Teamwork.
Confidence and Presentation.
Personal organisation and planning.

WHERE COULD THIS SUBJECT TAKE ME IN THE FUTURE?

This course provides an excellent platform from which to continue studying a sports-related subject at a tertiary level such as Sports Science, Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy, Sports Management, Sports Coaching/Teaching, and Sports Development. The course will also give you essential skills to work within the growing market of sports performance, participation, health and exercise. Physical Education could also complement further study in Biology, Physics, Psychology, Nutrition, Sociology and many more.

Exam Board: Edexcel | Course Code: 9PL0