PE
St Bart’s PE Department has adopted the West Berkshire Co-curricular Provision Programme, which is focused around mass participation and the broadest possible sports offer.
St Bart’s PE Department has adopted the West Berkshire Co-curricular Provision Programme, which is focused around mass participation and the broadest possible sports offer. There really is a sport for every student at St Bart’s. Read more about sports at St Bart’s. There are also a huge number of co-curricular clubs and sports leadership opportunities.
Examination Board: AQA
Course Description
A Level Physical Education looks at factors affecting performance in physical activity and sports. It includes units on applied anatomy and physiology, skill acquisition, sport and society, exercise physiology, biomechanical movement, sport psychology, the history of sport, and technology in sport.
Students learn about the changes within the body systems prior and during exercise and during recovery. They will interpret data relating to changes within the musculo-skeletal, cardio-respiratory and neuro-muscular systems and consider the use of energy systems during different types of physical activity and sport, and the recovery process. Students study the relationship between the muscular and skeletal systems to meet the demands of exercise.
The course covers the adaptations to the body systems through training or lifestyle, looking at how these changes affect the efficiency of those systems. Students consider skill acquisition and the impact of psychological factors on performance, and will develop knowledge and understanding of the interaction between sport and society and technological development. Students will investigate quantitative methods, considering the types and use of data for planning, monitoring and evaluating physical training, and to optimise performance.
Assessment
This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year linear course, with all units examined at the end of Year 13. Assessment is through both written examinations and coursework.
- Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport – Applied anatomy and physiology, Skill acquisition, Sport and society (2 hours, worth 35% of qualification)
- Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport – Exercise physiology and biomechanics, Sport psychology, Sport and society and technology in sport (2 hours, worth 35% of qualification)
- Non-exam assessment (NEA): Practical performance in physical activity and sport – The coursework includes assessment as a performer or coach in a sport, plus written analysis of performance. (worth 30% of qualification)
Entry Requirements
Physical Education GCSE or BTEC Sport is not a requirement. Where students have completed the GCSE course, a Grade 5 is required. Where students have completed the BTEC course, a Merit is required. Students are required to play one sport to a high level.
You might also consider BTEC Sport.
Where might it lead?
A Level Physical Education can help open doors to careers in:
- Athlete
- Clinical Scientist
- Exercise Physiologist
- Fitness Centre Manager
- Fitness Instructor
- Nutritionist
- Outdoor Activities/Education Manager
- Personal Trainer
- Physiotherapist
- Sports Administrator
- Sports Coach
- Sports Development Officer
- Sport and Exercise Psychologist
- Sports Therapist
- Teacher
Student Destinations
Mei Amorelli
2024 Offers From:
- Cardiff Metropolitan University – Sport Management
- University of Gloucestershire – Sport Business Management
- University of Northampton – Sport Management & Leadership
