Physical Education

This course will appeal to you if you wish to develop your interest in sport and physical education.

It will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the scientific, psychological and social factors involved in modern day sport.

Course Content

Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport:

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Skill acquisition
• Sport and society

Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport:

• Exercise physiology and biomechanics
• Sport psychology
• Sport and society and technology in sport

Practical Performance:

Pupils will need to select one sporting activity in which to be assessed as either a performer or a coach.

All sporting activities are assessed in 3 aspects which vary depending on the sport. Games players, for example, will be assessed in:

• Attacking skills
• Defensive skills
• Application of strategies and tactics

Analysis of Performance:

Students are required to analyse and evaluate a performance in one activity from the specification, as either a player/performer or coach, using appropriate theoretical content.

Students may analyse and evaluate their own performance or the performance of another person.

Inspirational starting point

The Sporting Gene – David Epstein

Course preparation

Active involvement in sport is essential to success in this course. By participating in at least one sport at a high level, you will be able to use this experience as the practical element of the course requirement, as well as a basis for your written analysis and understanding.

It is also highly recommended that you actively watch live sport, on television or in person, to gain further understanding of its physical, tactical, psychological and social impacts.

Regularly following sports news and updates will enhance your background knowledge across a wide range of sporting disciplines and allow you to enjoy the course to the fullest.

Pre-reading course material and identifying sports in which you could be assessed is important. You should, then, be starting to participate in these sports before you start this course.

Future pathways

A Level PE can lead to university study and careers in:

• Sports Science,
• Sports Psychology,
• Physiotherapy,
• Sports Medicine,
• Sports Management,
• Sports Media,
• Events Management and more.

You can also apply knowledge gained from this course to coaching and teaching careers.