Physical Education

Course outline

AQA

The A Level PE course is assessed through 2 written papers and a practical moderation at the end of Year 13. Whilst GCSE PE is advantageous, there is no requirement to have studied PE previously as long as students are highly motivated and are regular participants in club sport.

The theoretical component of the course (worth 70% of your final grade) will be taught across the 2 years with the following being the expected split:

Year 1: Applied anatomy and physiology, skill acquisition, sport and society, exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology and the role of technology in sport.

Year 2: Builds on the concepts covered in Year 1 and includes energy systems, memory, injury prevention and rehabilitation, projectile motion, fluid mechanics, sport psychology and technology.

The main focus of Year 1 is participation in sport, whereas the focus in Year 2 shifts towards the elite performer.

The practical component of the course (worth 30% of your final grade) is assessed internally, with external moderation. You will be assessed in your performance in 1 sport, either as a coach or as a player/performer (15%) you should therefore be participating regularly in this sport at club and/or representative level. You will also analyse and evaluate your performance through a verbal or written presentation (15%).

The broad nature of A Level Physical Education allows students to pursue a variety of university courses. Popular routes into Higher Education include Sport Science, Technology in Sport, Sport and Business, Teaching, Sports Development and Management. Additional degree choices include Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care and Psychology, although students have also gone on to read areas such as Biology at their chosen university. Past students have gone on to study Sports Science at a range of Russell Group Universities and Loughborough and Bath, which are regarded as the top universities for those subject choices.

A Level PE is seen by higher education establishments as a scientific subjects but equally one that provides valuable personal qualities that sees students settle quickly into University life. We are proud of our academic results from our small cohorts of dedicated students. Over the past 3 years all students have achieved A*-C grades at A Level demonstrating our students desire to study the subject at a high level.

A Level students at RHS excel in their chosen Sports and are supported by staff to achieve their goals. They are encouraged to participate in sport both within and outside of school to the highest possible standard.