Physical Education is the study of how the body works (including the musculoskeletal system,
the respiratory system, the cardio-vascular system), and how sport and physical activity are affected by various factors. These factors include topics such as diet and nutrition, ethics and deviance in sport, commercialisation and the media, routes to sporting excellence in the UK, and modern technology in sport (its impact on participation, fair outcomes and entertainment).
Studying A Level Physical Education will give you a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance. You will have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component. The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. You can perform, and then through the academic study improve your performance or coaching though application of the theory. You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people out perform others, mentally and physically. You will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also the influence that modern technology is having in and on physical activity and sport.
We follow the OCR Specification. You will be assessed as follows:
• Non-exam assessment (NEA). One practical performance, as either a coach or a performer in an activity.
• NEA. One Performance Analysis task.
• A total of four hours assessment split over three examination papers (2x 1 hour and 1x 2 hour) taken at the end of the two-year course.
• A wide range of Question types including: single mark, short answer and extended response questions.
• The opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of both theory and performance skills in both your NEA and through the examinations.
This is an interesting and challenging learning experience, linking key sporting ideas with practical performance and gaining insight into the relationships they have with each other. If you are interested in developing your decision making, understanding of people, independent thinking, problem solving and analytical skills through the exploration physical performance, this course is for you.
A Level Physical Education is an excellent base for a university degree in sports science, sports management, healthcare, or exercise and health. Physical Education can also complement further study in biology, human biology, physics, psychology, nutrition, sociology and many more. A Level Physical Education can open up a range of career opportunities including: sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, personal training or becoming one of the next-generation of PE teachers. The transferable skills you learn through your study of Physical Education, such as decision making and independent thinking are also useful in any career path you choose to take.
