A Level PE

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. — John F. Kennedy 

The A level in physical education builds on content covered at GCSE and aims to quip students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education.  

The A Level specification used to teach this subject comprises of the following three assessments: 

• Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport (30%) 

• Paper 2: Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport (30%) 

• Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport (40%) 

At Kew House School, we also offer BTEC Sport for post-16 students wanting to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment within the sports sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A level and aims to provide the fundamentals of the study of the sports sector at this level. Throughout the two-year course pupils will complete four units in total which will cover a wide variety of content in relation to working in the sports industry. 

A-level Physical Education allows students to play to their strengths and gain dynamic theoretical and practical skills for further education or work. The course will require students to develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport.  They will learn the following: 

• How to improve performance; 
• Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance; 

• Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity and sport; 

• Understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport; 

• Refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas; 

• Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance; 

• Understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness and 

• Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.​​​​​​​ 

Course Content 

Students will study the following course content: 

• Applied anatomy and physiology 

• Skill acquisition 

• Sport and society 

• Exercise physiology 

• Biomechanical movement 

• Sport psychology 

• Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport 

Examination 

At the end of the two-year course, students will be assessed by sitting two written 2-hour exam papers worth 70% of their overall grade. The remaining 30% of their overall grade will be a NEA (non-examined assessment) practical performance in physical activity and sport and a performance analysis assessment. Since the NEA component of the A level in PE constitutes almost one third of the award, students should only opt for this course if they are playing a sport outside of school at club level. 

An A Level in Physical Education provides a good foundation for further studies in sports science, sports management or healthcare and for varied careers in the ever-expanding sports industry. You will also develop useful transferable skills including team working, communication and decision-making.