P.E.

EXAM SPECIFICATION: AQA 7582 https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physical-education/as-and-a-level/physical-education-7582                                                                

A Level PE is a hugely enjoyable course if you are already a keen and committed performer/coach.  You will go into much greater depth than at GCSE PE level in a whole range of topics, coming broadly under the areas of Physiology, Psychology and Socio-cultural studies, which for most students hugely increases the engagement and enjoyment.  Physical activity has never been more important in modern society and as the vast number of life enhancing benefits becomes more understood, there is a greater need than ever for knowledgeable and experienced practitioners in this subject.

It is of course a great choice for those who wish to pursue a career in Physical activity in Sport, with the vast range of options available in terms of career from physio, coaching,  sports psychologist or something less obvious like sports administrator.  It is also a challenging, academic course which means that if you achieve a good grade you can access any number of careers or further education in any direction you choose.  You will also be able to use your practical performance towards your overall grade, rewarding you for all those thousands of hours of practice you have put in up to now.

View the PowerPoint below to get an overview of the course.  Click on the speakers for an explanation from the Head of Department, Mr Flannigan


STUDENT VIDEO: Current student, Will Way, describes what it's like to study A Level PE

The Course

Year 12

Section A (35 marks); Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Cardio-respiratory system, Neuromuscular system, Musculo-skeletal system, Energy systems

Section B (35 marks); Skill Acquisition

Skills, continuums and transfer of skills, Impact of skill classification, Theories of learning, Guidance and feedback, Memory models – information processing

Section C (35 marks); Sport and Society

Pre-industrial sports, Industrial and post-industrial sports, Post World War II, Impact of sport on society and society on sport

Worth 35% of your A Level

Year 13

Section A (35 marks); Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics

Diet and nutrition, Training methods, Injury prevention, Biomechanical principles, Levers, motion

Section B (35 marks); Sport Psychology

Personality and attitudes, Arousal, anxiety, aggression, Motivation, Social facilitation, Group dynamics, Goal setting, Attribution theory, Confidence, Leadership, Stress management

Section C (35 marks); Sport and Society and Technology in Sport

Physical activity and sport, Elite performers, Ethics in sport (Violence in sport, drugs, the law), Commercialisation, The role of technology

Worth 35% of your A Level

Non-examined Assessment

Practical Performance in Physical Activity and Sport

Learners will be required to undertake two parts within this component.

Performance/coaching in the full sided version of one sport or activity from the approved list. (45 marks)

The evaluation and analysis of performance for improvement of a performer in a sport from the approved list.  This is a written coursework (45 marks)

This is worth 30% of the A Level.

Both parts will be assessed internally, with students providing extensive video footage of their performance/sessions.

These marks are then moderated externally by the exam board

Skills

  • Recall of key information
  • Application of content to real sport/physical activity examples
  • Research and independent learning
  • Decoding exam questions and utilising knowledge gained appropriately
  • Analytical skills
  • Practical performance skills at a competitive level

Examinations/Assessments

All A-level exams are at the end of Year 13:

  • 2 x 2hr Papers worth 105 marks
  • Section A, B and C on each paper
  • External moderation of written coursework and practical performances

Enrichment

  • 6th form extra-curricular sports programme in some activities

For further details, please contact Mr Flannigan, Head of PE, mflannigan@bishopstopford.com


All current plans for sixth form programmes of study at Bishop Stopford School are provisional, dependent on student numbers and government policy