Physical Education

Physical Education A-level

Course Content

This course offers girls with a genuine interest in sport, as well as those looking to develop breadth in their options, the opportunity to study a challenging course combining both academic and practical skills. Sixth-Formers acquire a variety of academic skills as the theory content covers applied anatomy and physiology, skill acquisition, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, the history of sport and contemporary issues such as drugs and technology.

The practical element of the course not only requires the pupils to perform or coach at a high level in one sport, preferably at club level or higher, but also be able to apply the theory into a practical context in the coursework. The variety of practical roles leads to the development of leadership skills, as well as moral and social development.

The exam board is AQA and the course breakdown is 70% theory and 30% practical (15% coursework, 15% performance).

The theory course is split into 2 papers each worth 35%.

Each paper is split into 3 sections of equal marks containing multiple choice, short and long questions.

Paper 1 (2 hours):

Applied anatomy and physiology
Skill acquisition
Sport and Society

Paper 2 (2 hours):

Exercise physiology and biomechanics
Sports psychology
Sport and society and technology in sport

Career opportunities

A-Level PE can be combined with complementary subjects such as Biology, Psychology, History or English, and is useful for almost any degree course. Sports related university degrees include sports science, physiotherapy, sports psychology, coaching science, sports technology, journalism, teaching leisure and recreational management. Related careers include physiotherapist, PE teacher, health advisor, nutritionist, rehabilitation instructor, sports journalist, sport and physical activity development officer and strength and conditioning coaching.

Physical Education - BTEC National in Sport

Course Content

The practical element of the course not only requires the pupils to perform or coach at a high level in one sport, preferably at club level or higher, but also be able to apply the theory into a practical context. The variety of practical roles leads to the development of leadership skills, as well as moral and social development.

Unit 1 - ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY – EXAM UNIT

the muscular system
the respiratory system
the cardiovascular system
the energy systems
the skeletal system

opportunity to take the exam up to three times in the two year period

Unit 2 - FITNESS, TRAINING AND PROGRAMMING FOR HEALTH SPORT AND WELLBEING – EXAM UNIT

· lifestyle factors

· screening processes

· nutritional needs

· components of fitness

· designing training programmes

· scenario released a week before the exam

· opportunity to take notes into the exam

· opportunity to take exam up to three times

Unit 3 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY – COURSEWORK UNIT

· career and job opportunities in sport

· using a skills audit form to create a career development plan

· undertake a recruitment activity to understand the processes related to a successful job offer in a chosen career pathway

· three assignments (one related to each area)

· opportunity to complete assignments to a pass, merit/distinction grade

· ongoing teacher support throughout all assignments

· opportunity to resubmit assignments

Unit 5 - APPLIED FITNESS TESTING – COURSEWORK UNIT

· principles of fitness testing

· factors affecting administration of tests

· validity, reliability and suitability

· perform a range fitness based tests, working with elite athletes

· compare results and set targets

· three assignments (one related to each area)

· opportunity to complete assignments to a pass, merit/distinction grade

· ongoing teacher support throughout all assignments

· opportunity to resubmit assignments

Career Opportunities

For learners who wish to study an aspect of sport in higher education, the opportunities are vast. Some examples accepting BTEC include:
BSC(Hons)in Sport Psychology, if taken alongside A Level in Psychology
BA(Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science,
BA (Hons) in Secondary Physical Education
BSC (Hons) Sport PE and Coaching Science
BSC (Hons) Physiotherapy
BSC (Hons) Nutrition
Other potential careers include:
Sports coach
Strength and conditioning coach
Sports nutritionist
Armed forces
PE teacher

The Arts