Physical Education A Level
SPECIFICATION LINK: 7582
TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physical Education (601/8633/1)
COURSE INFORMATION
Our A-level specification in physical education should equip students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. This will require them to:
- develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge 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
- improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.
Subject 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
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
What’s assessed?
- Section A – Applied anatomy and physiology (35 marks)
- Section B – Skill acquisition (35 marks)
- Section C – Sport and society (35 marks)
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- Total: 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
What’s assessed?
- Section A – Exercise physiology and biomechanics (35 marks)
- Section B – Sports psychology (35 marks)
- Section C –Sport and society and technology in sport (35 marks)
How it’s assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- Total: 105 marks
- 35% of A-level
Practical performance in physical activity and sport
What’s assessed?
- Students are assessed as a player/performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity
- 15% of non-exam assessment, plus
- Written/verbal analysis and evaluation of performance
- 15% of non-exam assessment
- Internal assessment, external moderation
- Total: 90 marks
ROUTES FOR PROGRESSION
Progression routes from the course include the armed forces, public services, physiotherapy, fitness instructor, sport and leisure management, PE teaching, sports science and coaching.