Physical Education (PE) A Level
Course Overview
The sports industry is an integral part of modern society and, at a professional level, is a lucrative business. On our A Level PE course, you will go on a journey that will take you through many different avenues of the sports industry and, in particular, the application of sports science. You will gain an insight into how the body and mind work together to influence sports performance, both positively and negatively.
You will learn by applying your skills, knowledge and understanding to activities that reflect what happens in the real world of sport and the exercise science industry, from the importance of physical training for sports performance to the influence of biomechanics in the analysis of individual and team performance. You will also consider the role of nutrition in sports performance, as well as looking at sport and its influence on society throughout history and in the present day.
Choosing one sport to specialise in, through either performing or coaching, you will complete a written project that will analyse and evaluate your performance in order to enhance and develop your ability in your chosen sport. Throughout the course, you will be required to demonstrate and apply your knowledge of the factors underpinning involvement in physical activity and sport.
Teaching is by specialist staff who have the relevant knowledge and experience to support your learning and future progression in the sports industry. By the end of year 2 you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to progress onto university, apprenticeships, employment or further specialist training, opening up a wide range of career opportunities. If you are considering studying for degrees such as Physical Education teaching, Physiotherapy, Sport Psychology or Sport and Exercise Science, our course is ideal preparation.
Year 1 Modules
- Exercise Physiology, Training and Performance
- Movement Analysis, Technology and Performance
- Skill Acquisition
Year 2 Modules
- Exercise Physiology, Training and Performance
- Sport Psychology
- Sport and Society
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:
- Grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
- Grade 5 in GCSE Double Science or GCSE Biology
- Grade 4 in GCSE Maths
- Regular participation in a competitive sport
Assessment
- 70% Exam
- 30% Coursework
- Exam Board: WJEC
88
Total students
15
Average class size
Why choose this course?
During your time on the course you will have the opportunity to gain experience of different progression routes and career pathways through a range of visits, in particular to universities.
This includes our annual sports and exercise science day experience with a local provider, Anglia Ruskin University, where we spend the day exploring different avenues of sport and exercise science and the types of activities and workshops you might do at university.
As part of our course, we also have weekly workshops that will provide you with the necessary additional support and help, where needed, to progress your development and understanding of the theoretical elements of the course as well as support you with your research projects.
You will enjoy this course if you are a keen student athlete that is fascinated by the theoretical aspects of the sports world and have a keen interest in science and the application of science principles to sports performance.
If you have a career in sport in mind and may be considering studying for degrees such as Physical Education teaching, Physiotherapy, Sport Psychology or Sport and Exercise Science, then our course is ideal preparation and will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue careers in these areas.
Skills you'll gain
Throughout your two years of study:
- You will gain an insight into how the body and mind work together to influence sports performance, both positively and negatively.
- You will gain understanding of the science and maths behind sporting performance and how technology is significant in the analysis and performance of sporting activities.
- Develop theoretical understanding of how the human brain and body acquire and develop sports skills and how sport psychology can significantly affect our sports performance.
- You will discuss and debate sociological and contemporary issues in modern sport, including recent hot topics such as the blurring of the lines between politics and sport (Russia and Qatar).
After Long Road
On average, approximately 40% of A Level PE students go on to University to study a range of courses from Physiotherapy, Sport and Exercise Science and teaching qualifications to coach in Sport, Performance Analysis in Sport and many more.
Approximately 25% of students go into employment and many have pursued careers in the Sport and Fitness industry, whilst others have gone into coaching in Sport.
I really enjoy PE. The balance of physical work and theory is perfect, and there is lots of support and guidance from the teachers. I have decided that I want to take a Sport degree at university and become a PE teacher.
