AQA L3 A Level in Physical Education

Course Overview

Do you want to learn how elite performance, wellbeing, lifelong health & fitness is developed within society? Do you perform well in a given sport and can apply these experiences to relevant theory? If so then Physical Education at Worthing College is the course for you!

At the College we continue to provide an outstanding experience for our students and studying on the Physical Education course is no different. Our lecturers have a wide range of both educational and industry led experience to support our students in realising their progression route goals across a range of career choices, such as sports therapy, PE teaching & coaching, sports nutrition, performance analysis and strength & conditioning.

The course is intended to encourage students to develop their all-round understanding of Physical Education (PE) and sport focusing on physiology, psychology and sport in society.

All theoretical areas of study are linked to elite performance, wellbeing, lifelong health and fitness. In addition to the theoretical study of PE and sport, students are also required to demonstrate their level of practical performance in a chosen sport.

Students can and are encouraged to study this course alongside other areas of the Academy of Sport provision, in particular one of our Academy of Sports teams.

Topics studied include:

Anatomy and Physiology:

The skeletal and muscular systems- motion and movement. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems in relation to the performance of physical activity; biomechanical principles, energy systems.

Acquiring Movement Skills/ Psychology:

Classification of skills and abilities; the development of motor skills in relation to information processing; principles & theories of learning; arousal; aggression; motivation.

Sport in Society:

Sport in pre and post-industrial Britain; the development of school sport; The Olympics; equal opportunities; impact of sport on society; violence in sport; drugs in sport.

So, if you are looking for a career in Physical Education or just wanting to develop your knowledge within this amazing subject area, this course is for you!

Further Information

Who can apply?

• You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including a grade 5 in Science and grade 4 in English Language and Maths as well as the following;

• Students need to have an interest in a variety of current sporting factors and issues

• Good communication skills

• Enthusiasm to apply themselves inside & outside of the classroom

• Dedication to achieve the highest grade possible

• Students need to be able to learn details of anatomy and physiology and understand how competitive sport affects the mind, body and performance.

• Students must be performing at a high level in one sport. Ask for further advice on this if you are uncertain.

What happens next?

A Level PE provides an excellent foundation for students intending to pursue careers or higher education courses in; teaching and coaching, sports development, the leisure industry, recreational management, health & fitness, sports science, sports physiotherapy, public services and professional sport.

Students have gone on to study at places like Loughborough, Leeds, Bath and more locally to the Universities of Chichester, Brighton, Southampton Solent & Bournemouth.

Examples of higher education courses that have been studied by past students include;

• o BA (Hons) Sport Studies

• o BA (Hons) Physical Education

• o BA (Hons) Sport Journalism

• o BA (Hons) Sport & Business Management

• o BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Psychology

• o BSc (Hons) Sport & Coaching Sciences

• o BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science

• o BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy

• o BSc (Hons) in Sports Psychology

• o BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Nutrition

• o BSc (Hons) in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Sciences

Students could also progress within Worthing College to a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Health, Sport & Exercise Science as well as Apprenticeships in Personal Training.

Students should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers. This can be accessed by using the UCAS website, where all this information can be provided. Also please look to speak with our staff, as they will give you the advice you need to take that next step.

How will I be assessed?

Over the two years of study, a range of teaching and learning styles are used during the course. Formal lessons are combined with discussion, case studies, task-based learning, practical activities, student- led activities, video and teacher led presentations.

There will be an emphasis on practical activities to support learning throughout the duration of the course.

Teaching resources and course material are available on the student intranet, this material is very important as the course is demanding and intense at times. Individual support is available to all students.

70% of the A Level is based on performance in the summer examination; 30% is based on practical performance and coursework. Full support & resourcing will be provided by our highly qualified and experienced staff to ensure that you are in the right environment to realise your full potential.