Hear from Phil Rhodes
Studying A Level Physical Education will give you a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance. Not only will you have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, you will also develop a wide ranging knowledge into the how and why of Physical activity and sport. The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for pupils. You can perform, and then through the academic study improve your performance or coaching though application of the theory. Physical Education is studied though a range of different contexts and the impact it has on both ours and other’s everyday lives. 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.
How is A Level PE delivered at the Grammar School?
The course investigates the physiological, sociological and psychological aspects of physical activity & sport. The course is a theoretical subject, with occasional opportunities to apply learning in practical settings. The course involves an assessment of your sporting ability in your chosen sport, as well as your ability to apply your knowledge of your sport and understanding of the course content within an oral assessment.
The Exam Board is OCR Physical Education GCE (2 year linear) and the exam process is as follows;
Paper 1- Physiology (90 marks/120 minutes/x1 weighting)
Paper 2- Psychology (60 marks/60 minutes/x1 weighting
Paper 3- Sociology (60 marks/60 minutes/x1 weighting)
Non-Examined Assessment- Evaluation & Analysis for Performance Improvement (oral presentation- 30 Marks/ x1.5 weighting)
Performance or Coaching of chosen Sport (30 marks/ x1 weighting)
While the content is naturally highly engaging, it is equally academically rigorous, with the 3 theory sections incorporating A Level Biology, Psychology & Sociology, as well as Physics to GCSE standard. We therefore strongly advise that candidates are studying at least one of these subjects alongside PE, while sound Literacy & Numeracy skills will also be essential.
We are fortunate to share the town with one of the worlds leading sports performance and research institutes in the world. Our facilities and resources ensure that learning is optimised either within classroom or in practical settings. The sporting opportunities afforded to our pupils will help further success in the Non-Examined Assessment element of the course, where are boys significantly outperform the national standard.
Where can A Level Physical Education take me?
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, Physiotherapy, 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, Sports Management 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.
Enrichment Activities;
- Visits to Loughborough University
- External speakers
- Attendance at external workshops