What is this course about?

The A-level specification in physical education should equip students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. This will require them to:

• Develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance
• Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance
• Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity and sport
• Understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport
• Refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
• Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance
• Understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness
• Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.

What content is on the course?

The A Level Physical Education (AQA) content is in 3 components for each section of the final grade:

Paper 1 – Factors Affecting participation in physical activity and sport.

• Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology
• Section B: Skill acquisition
• Section C: Sport and society

Paper 2 – Factors affecting optimal performance in Physical activity and sport.

• Section A: Exercise physiology and biomechanics
• Section B: Sport psychology
• Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport

Coursework (NEA) – Practical Performance and written analysis of a performance.

Course Assessment

There are 2 examination papers and NEA consisting of Practical performance and an analysis of a practical performance.

• Paper 1: 35% of final grade
• Paper 2: 35% of final grade
• Coursework (NEA): 30% of final grade