A level PE

What do I need to know or to be able to do before taking this course?

The study of the subject at GCSE is a highly desirable but not essential pre-requisite. Students clearly must have a genuine interest in the subject and have good practical ability in individual activities and team games.
In both the AS and A2-level course there is much less emphasis on practical skills than in the GCSE course. To provide a good foundation for the AS and A2-level courses students should have GCSE grades of B or above in related subjects such as Biology or Dual Award Science.

 

What will I learn on the AS- level course?

The AS-level course consists of three modules as follows:

Module 1: Factors Affecting Performance

Application of Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge to physical performance

This section of the course helps build a greater understanding of the structure of the human body and how it responds during the performance of a variety of physical activities.

Acquiring, Performing and Teaching Movement Skills

This section helps candidates to develop an understanding of how they can most effectively acquire and develop their movement skills in a variety of physical activities. The focus of study is on the development and control of movement skills from early childhood experiences through to competitive performance, and how teachers and coaches can improve performance through effective practice sessions.

Module 2: Contemporary Studies in Physical Education

Students initially develop an understanding of the concepts of play, physical recreation, sport, physical education and outdoor education. They also identify characteristics of sports and pastimes in countries such as Samoa, Kenya, the USA and China.

Students develop an understanding of the influence of various agencies involved with increasing mass participation and sporting excellence in the UK and consider ethical issues in high level sport such as corruption, violence and the temptation to cheat.

Module 3: Coursework – Performance and its improvement through critical
Analysis of techniques in Practical

This module focuses on the acquisition and development of physical skills in two chosen activities. Candidates are also required to submit a personal performance portfolio recording their development of skills and understanding of their chosen activities.

What will I learn on the A2-level course?

The A2-level course consists of three modules as follows:

Module 4:

This module has two sections:

Historical Studies in Physical Education

Historical study is concerned with those aspects of our past which have influenced the present scene of Physical Education. The analysis moves from the simplicity of early nineteenth century popular recreation, to the influence of the public schools, and more recently the effects of the World Wars and modern trends in Physical Education.

Psychology of Sport Performance

This module enables candidates to investigate the important role that the human mind has prior to, during, and after performance. The focus of study increases a candidate’s awareness of a variety of techniques to achieve an optimal performance. Candidates should seek to apply the psychological theories and to use the psychological techniques primarily to enhance their own practical performance.

Module 5: Exercise and Sport Physiology

This module covers the synoptic element of the course.

Exercise Physiology looks at how the structure and function of the body changes as a result of exercise. Sport Physiology applies these concepts with the aim of enhancing sports performance through training. The focus of the study is on how a candidate may improve their own physical performance and that of others. The synoptic element aims to link knowledge and understanding from all the modules undertaken at AS and A2 level.

Module 6: Coursework – The Improvement of effective Performance in Practical Activities

In this module candidates are assessed in performance situations in their chosen activities which require a wide range of skills to be performed with fluency. The candidate is also required to evaluate and appreciate performance in an oral test.

 

Where might this subject take me?

An Advanced Level qualification in the subject is becoming an alternative to an A-level in Biology (or any one science) for specialist study in Physical Education and Sports Studies in higher education. It is also a suitable qualification for other areas of study, providing an excellent foundation for those intending to pursue careers in teaching and coaching, sports development, the leisure industry, recreational management, the health and fitness industry and professional sport.