Subject : Sport and Physical Education

Awarding body: AQA GCE

Course content and examination requirements:

The Physical Education AS/A2 Level expands on many of the ideas and concepts encountered in GCSE PE. (GCSE PE is not, however, an essential prerequisite).

Students will develop an understanding of the physiological, socio-cultural, moral, global and contemporary factors in physical education/sport which affects participation and provision. In the first year there are two main study topics. The first of these covers the beneficial effects of a healthy lifestyle and includes subjects like "the physiological effects of exercise" and "how people acquire sports skills". In the second study topic you'll learn how to analyse and evaluate an athlete's performance, how to improve performance, and the factors affecting gaining new skills. Two sports are assessed, in the role of either coach, official or performer. In the second year you'll again study two main topics. The first continues with the theme of optimising the performance of an athlete. This includes how physiology can improve performance for elite athletes, as well as studying the important topics within sport today. The second study topic looks at performance in competitive situations. This includes the observation and analysis of weaknesses, along with ways of correcting any errors the athlete is making. One sport is assessed in either the role of the coach, official or performer.

Entry requirements:

In order to be successful at this course you should have gained 8 A+ -B grade GCSEs, including English and Maths. It is advised that you should have studied GCSE PE , but, if you are determined to put in extra catch up study and have a high level of sporting ability, it is possible to take this course without GCSE PE at the discretion of the Head of the PE department. It is also essential that you enjoy sport and train regularly outside of school.

Relevance to further studies and careers:

Where will success take me? The subjects you learn about will be invaluable at a personal level and will help you to be better at sport, no matter what your standard. This A Level can open up a whole number of career options: Sport Scientist, Physiotherapist, Sport Medicine, Coach, Sport Psychologist, Nutritionist, PE Teacher, Personal Trainer, Sports Physiotherapist or working for a national governing body.

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Will it fit in my life?

PE goes well with other subjects. If you want a career in physical education you might also consider courses like Human Biology. But no matter what your career ambition, if you are passionate about sport, this course is great to take alongside other topics.

Make a healthy living :

Sport & fitness is a huge industry... and you can be a part of it. If you are keen on sport, you can make a healthy living from your passion. Whether that is working for a football club, as a Personal Trainer at the local gym, or training to be a Physiotherapist, Sport's Analyst, Sport's Journalist etc, there are lots of opportunities. From professional sport through to amateur teams and individuals who just want to get in shape, sport and fitness is a fast-growing business. Best of all, you could be in a career doing something that you love.

Teaching staff / further information :

Mrs J Healey & Miss E McDonald

Equipment required :

Text Books:

AQA Physical Education. Paul Bevis, Mike Murray. Nelson Thornes.ISBN; 978-1-4085-0015-6
AQA PE . Graham Thompson, Nesta Wiggins-James, Rob James. Hodder. ISBN: 978-0-340-95905-3.

Useful websites :

Year 12 - AS Units Year 13 - A2 Units (full GCE)
Unit 1 (Theory) PHED1

Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Written Paper : 2 hours

· Taken in June (84 marks)
· Short answer compulsory questions and one longer answer question.
· No essays

60% of total AS level marks
30% A level marks		 Unit 3 (Theory) PHED3

Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport. (3 sections: Psychology, Physiology and Contemporary issues).

Written Paper : 2 hours (84 marks)

· Taken in June (84 marks)
· Short answer compulsory questions and one extended writing question.

30% of total A level marks
Unit 2 (Practical) PHED2

Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as performer and/or coach/official.

Internal assessment with external moderation : 100 marks

Practical assessment in 2 sports:

· Core skills and structured practises.
· Internal assessment with external moderation.

40% of total AS level marks
20% of A level marks		 Unit 4 (Practical) PHED3

Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation. Internal assessment with external moderation : 120 marks

Practical assessment in 1 sport (as either performer, coach or official) :

· Candidates perform, analyse and evaluate their own
performance, identify areas of improvement and suggest
appropriate corrective measures.

20% of A level marks

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