Exam Board: AQA
A Level PE develops the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical activity and be able to apply this to a range of sporting contexts. Analytical and evaluative skills are enhanced through both written and oral responses to questions, as well as physical skills being honed through regular participation in your chosen sport, at your sports club or team.
The topics covered on the syllabus are divided into year one and year two. The course content is taught as follows:
Year 1:
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology – develops knowledge and understanding of the changes within the body systems prior to exercise, during exercise of differing intensities and during recovery.
- Skill Acquisition – focuses on how skill is acquired and the impact of psychological factors on performance.
- Sport and Society – develops knowledge and understanding of the interaction between, and the evolution of, sport and society.
Year 2:
- Exercise Physiology – understands the adaptations to the body systems through training or lifestyle, and how these changes affect the efficiency of those systems.
- Biomechanical Movement – develops knowledge and understanding of motion and forces, and their relevance to performance in physical activity and sport.
- Sport Psychology – develops knowledge and understanding of the role of sport psychology in optimising performance in physical activity and sport.
- Sport and Society and the Role of Technology in Physical Activity and Sport – develops knowledge and understanding of the interaction between, and the evolution of, sport and society and the technological developments in physical activity and sport.
70% Theory to be assessed in two examinations worth 35% each:
Written Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport (2 Hours)
Written Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport (2 Hours)
The exams feature multiple choice, short answer, essay and synoptic questions
30% Coursework (NEA, of which 15% is practical)
Non-Examined Assessment (NEA): Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity. In addition, they will also complete a written analysis of a performance.
After completing this A-Level you will be able to progress onto a sports or health related university degree course in fields such as Physiotherapy, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Therapy, Sport Nutrition, Sports Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning etc. This A-Level combines well with A Level Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, Sociology, Physics and Chemistry.
Students must have a strong sporting ability in at least one sport listed in the AQA specification (pgs. 30-35) and be regularly taking part in competitive sport prior to and throughout the course in their free time, by being a member of a club or sports team.