PE A Level
A Level PE provides an exciting opportunity for you to build on your passion for physical education and develop a more rounded knowledge of the factors that contribute to overall performance in sport. The course will build on the physical expertise of individuals in one chosen activity as well as increasing their awareness and understanding of the physiological, psychological, biomechanical and contemporary issues that surround sport and physical activity.
Curriculum Intent
To develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects of Physical Education and how they relate to performance.
How the course is assessed
A Level Physical Education is split into three sections: theory, practical and coursework.
The theory aspect is tested via two examinations and includes a variety of questions including six essay questions on each paper. This accounts for 70% of the overall grade.
Paper 1 (35%)
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology
- Skill Acquisition
- Sport and Society
Paper 2 (35%)
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanical Movement
- Sport Psychology
- Sport and Society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport
Non-exam assessment (30%)
- Practical performance in one team or individual sport from the AQA specification which must be performed in a fully competitive situation. Video evidence of the performance must be provided which is moderated by the exam board(15%)
- A written piece of coursework analysing their own performance and suggesting ways to improve, linked to their knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the course. Moderated by the exam board (15%)
Entry requirements
- Five subjects at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
- A grade 4 in GCSE PE or a Pass in BTEC Sport if these subjects were studied
- Evidence of participation in a sport from the AQA Physical Education specification at a competitive level is essential
Why study A Level PE at Windsor Sixth Form?
The PE Department is very experienced at teaching A Level PE, students enjoy the course, are successful and many further their studies by completing PE related degrees at university or gaining employment in areas where the skills they have learnt on the course are advantageous to them in their apprenticeship or workplace.
Other courses that go well with A Level PE
Physical education has strong cross–curricular links with biology, psychology, sociology, dance and science. It also incorporates elements of physics and maths in the biomechanics section in year two.
What you can do after the course
University and Higher education
Many students progress to university courses. These are wide and varied and include:
- BSc Sports Science
- BA in Sports Coaching
- BSc in Exercise and Health Science
- BSc Physiotherapy
- BA in Sport and Management
- BSc Sport Coaching and Physical Education
- BSc Sports Therapy
Apprenticeships
Students have secured sports coaching apprenticeships with local companies coaching primary school students and students aged 11-16 in school holiday camps.
Careers
Students have gone into sports coaching, PE teaching, further study for masters degrees, professional sport, working with national governing bodies and other careers.
Where do our students progress to after the course?
The majority of students continue their studies at university.
Student success stories
- Student A gained an A* grade in PE and studied Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, completed a year in industry working at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute where she provided sports nutrition support to elite teams including Barcelona FC and Arsenal FC.
- Student B gained an A grade and studied Physical Education and Sport at Loughborough University, on completion of his degree he completed a PGCE in PE and is now teaching in one of the Windsor Academy Trust Secondary schools.
- Student C gained an A grade and studies Physiotherapy at Liverpool University, he is now working as a fully qualified physiotherapist in a local Dudley hospital.
- Student D gained an A* grade and is starting a Sport and Exercise Health Science degree at The University of Birmingham.