Physical Education A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

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The following topics will form the examination at the end of Year 13:

1. Applied anatomy and physiology
2. Skill acquisition
3. Sport and society
4. Biomechanical movement
5. Sport psychology
6. Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

Non-examination assessment

Pupils will produce a video with their practical/ coaching performance which must show the skills specified by the examination board. They must film a number of competitions/ matches that shows consistency in their performance and ensure the video does their sporting/ coaching ability justice as only what is on the video can be marked.

Pupils will produce a piece of coursework focusing on detailed analysis of themselves as a performer and design an action plan to improve any weaknesses they find. This will be delivered in lesson time and completed at home and be submitted before the examination period begins.

Qualities Required

Students should be passionate about Sport and PE, enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills and techniques. They should be self-motivated, determined and will work to ensure they succeed.

Academic Qualities

The A level course is 85% theory based (examination – 70%, coursework – 15%) and students must realise this is a very academic course. Students should have a love for Sport and exercise and be interested in all aspects of sport and physical education. They need to be well organised and be willing to work hard outside of lessons.

Sporting Performance and Participation

It is essential students are regularly training/ competing/ coaching in a sport of their choice. Students will be expected to independently gather video evidence against the practical coursework assessment criteria to support their mark. All video evidence must show students showcasing a number of skills in a full competitive situation.

Links with Other Subjects

Biology, Physics, Psychology, Food Technology, Sociology and History.

• How the body responds to exercise - study of circulatory, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems.
• How training enables the body to adapt, develop and improve.
• How to analyse movement and apply biomechanics to a range of sporting actions
• How sports injuries can be effectively treated.
• The concepts of health and fitness
• How to optimise performance through appropriate nutrition
• How specialist training methods can aid performance.
• How to input and process information and make effective decisions.
• How movements are executed, controlled and retained.
• How learning takes place and how appropriate practise, guidance and feedback can enhance performance.
• How to control emotions and arousal to optimise performance
• Psychological theories of personality, aggression, confidence, leadership and group dynamics.
• Concepts and provision of active leisure, recreation, sport, play, physical education and outdoor education.
• Opportunities for and barriers that may prevent participation in sport and active leisure.
• How political, social and historical antecedents have impacted upon the provision for sport and physical education in the UK.
• The structure of elite sport and how elite sport is organised in the UK.
• The benefits and drawbacks of hosting world games.
• The history and development of the modern Olympic Games.

• Paper 1 and paper 2 will be sat at the end of Year 13 and are both 2 hour examinations. They make up 70% of students total A level mark.

Grade 5 or above in Biology or Combined Science and Grade 5 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language. Also a significant level of sporting performance and regular participation in competitive fixtures or competitions.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

Due to the diverse and high academic nature of the course A Level PE is a fantastic option to take for many career paths including physiotherapy, biomedical science, sports science courses as well as coaching and teaching degrees. Sport, physical education, health and wellbeing and fitness are all large growth areas and there are a huge amount of jobs available in these fields.