This is a two year course where the final exam will be sat at the end of the second year.

What do I need to study A Level PE?

This is a multi-disciplinary course concerned with the study of sport. It develops an understanding of the historical, physical, social, cultural and psychological factors which influence sport, and relates to the important role of sport in society. You need a serious interest in the many aspects of sport and a willingness to study in a hardworking and consistent manner. A good general academic background at GCSE level is important: GCSE Physical Education is not an essential requirement (however if you have studied GCSE PE you should have achieved a 5 Grade or better, If you have studied BTEC PE at Key Stage 4 a distinction is the minimum requirement). You should have a minimum of Grade 5 in two Science subjects. You should also participate in one sport to a competitive level outside school.

What will I be able to do with an A Level in PE?

If you wish to continue in education there is an enormous scope to continue your development in sport or sports related studies. For example Sheffield Hallam University offer 14 sports related courses, ranging from sports science, to sports business management, to sports development and coaching to name but a few. The knowledge that candidates gain will be invaluable for those choosing to follow a PE related career. Here are just a few careers paths you could follow:

Physiotherapist; referee/umpire; sports manager; sports medic; fitness instructor; personal trainer, dietitian/nutritionist; coach; teacher; lecturer; choreographer; sports administrator; sports psychologist; professional sportsperson; sports journalist; bio mechanist; sports photographer; marketing (leisure or sport); healthcare professional; massage therapist.

Employers from different sectors (business, medicine, law, science, media) see a PE qualification as important to have because of the skills learnt through PE; teamwork, communication, respect, desire to succeed are all sought after skills that are developed through A level PE. Candidates will also gain invaluable knowledge and understanding that will enable them to lead a healthy life.

Topics for A Level Year one

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Skill acquisition
• Sport and Society
• The impact of sport on society and of society on sport
• Exercise physiology
• Biomechanical movement
• Sports psychology
• Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

Topics for A Level Year two

• Applied anatomy and physiology – energy systems
• Skill acquisition – memory models
• Exercise physiology – injury prevention and the rehabilitation of injury
• Biomechanical movement – linear motion, angular motion, projectile motion, fluid mechanics
• Sports psychology – achievement motivation theory, attribution theory, self-efficacy and confidence, leadership, stress management
• Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport – concepts of physical activity and sport, development of elite performers in sport, ethics in sport, violence in sport, drugs in sport, sport and the law, impact of commercialisation on physical activity and sport and the relationship between sport and the media

A Level assessment

Component 1 – paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Skill acquisition
• Sport and society
• Written exam paper (2 hours)
• 35% of A Level

Component 2 – Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

• Exercise physiology and biomechanics
• Sports psychology
• Sport and society and technology in sport
• Written exam paper (2 hours)
• 35% of A Level

Component 3 – Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport

• Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity
• Written/verbal analysis and evaluation of performance
• 30% of A Level