A Level Physical Education

Course overview

Discover a career in Sport and Fitness. Experience a real-life feel of the multidisciplinary nature of the subject area, applying it to elite performers, coaches, the community and practical situations.

Develop skills sought by a range of sport and fitness employers and benefit from hands-on experience - designing fitness programmes and learning about human anatomy and how it responds during exercise.

Your study programme will support personal development to ensure you make good progress and acquire the skills required for successful progression to higher education, employment or an apprenticeship.

You will have the opportunity to take part in fundraising events, sport and fitness activities and course-related study visits and careers events. To support your studies, you will benefit from access to a newly refurbished gym facility in the Sports Hall.

Topics you will study

Physiological factors affecting performance:

• Applied anatomy and physiology

• Exercise physiology

• Biomechanics

Psychological factors affecting performance:

• Skill acquisition

• Sports psychology

Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport:

• Sport and society

• Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport

Practical performances:

• Core and advanced skills in performing or coaching one activity

• Evaluating and analysing performance

How you will be assessed

• 70% exam

• 30% non-exam assessment

Positive Futures

Positive Futures is a set of essential qualities, embedded throughout your study programme, that we seek to develop in all students: 

• Commitment

• Collaboration

• Confidence

• Resilience

You will also engage in the Positive Futures Careers Programme, developing key employability skills through a diverse range of activities including work placements, volunteering, employer talks, industry study visits and employment and university fairs.

Entry requirements

For A-level programmes: 6 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (to include 3 GCSEs at grade 9-4 and 3 GCSEs at grade 9-5). Require grade 9-4 in English Language and Maths.
For A-level Physical Education: Grade 9-6 Combined Science OR Grade 9-6 Biology & Grade 9-6 in one other Science. A-level Biology must also be studied unless agreed with Head of Curriculum. Regular participation in competitive organised sport – to a good standard.