Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Physical Education
Introduction
This course looks at how an athlete optimises performance. This includes how physiology imprints elite performance as well as studying psychological and Socio-cultural aspects of sport. Students also look at analysis of performance in competition, identifying weaknesses and suggesting corrective practice to bring about improvement.
You must be a competent performer of one sport from the specification to undertake this subject.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
Miss G Harris
Assessment
- Examination: 70%
- 40%: Component 1, scientific principles of physical education, 2 hours 30 minutes,
- 30%: Component 2, psychological and social principles of physical education, 2 hours.
- Non-examined assessment: 30%
- 15%: Component 3, practical performance
- 15%: Component 4, performance analysis and performance development programme
Curriculum
Course content
Physical Education is studied over two years and made up of three units. In each year students study 10 hours over two weeks (9 hours of theory lessons and one hour practical/analysis lesson).
- Unit 1: covers factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
- Unit 2: covers factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
- Unit 3: covers practical performance in physical activity and sport. Unit 3 involves students collecting video evidence of themselves performing in one practical sport in a full competitive context. Evidence needs to be collected in accordance with the practical specification over the course of the two years and will need to be submitted by March of Year 13 at the latest. Students will also have to complete a piece of coursework as part of this unit.
Skills and requirements
Entry requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE physical education.
or
- Grade 5 in GCSE biology if not completed GCSE PE.
Beyond the classroom
The PE Department is extremely busy, running numerous extracurricular clubs and teams. There are ample opportunities to help with these and other events, e.g. school sports day.
Future pathways
A-level PE can help you access a variety of sports, related higher education courses and careers in psychology, journalism, photography, administration, coaching, leisure management, teaching, physiotherapy and fitness instructor.
