S P O R T   &
P H Y S I C A L   E D U C A T I O N

INTRODUCTION
A Level Sport and Physical Education is one of the fastest growing subjects in terms of popularity. It allows those students with a keen interest in sport to gain an insight into what makes a complete sportsperson. The course is varied with four double lessons per week each looking at sport and PE from a different perspective. Please note that if you think you will spend all your time playing sport this course is not for you!

Entry requirements
Committed and enthusiastic students who enjoy talking about sport. Students should achieve a B grade or above in science. Those gaining a C grade will be considered on an individual basis. Candidates need only participate to a good standard in one sport.

A/S Level

Unit 1:
Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle (2 hour exam)
There are 3 distinct subject areas: Anatomy and Physiology: Health, exercise and fitness, nutrition, lung function, transport of blood gases, cardiac function, analysis of movement and training programmes.

Skill Acquisition:
Ability and skill, information processing, learning and performance and structure of training sessions.

Opportunities for Participation:
Types of participation, provision for participation, historical development of PE and the curriculum and equal opportunities.

Unit 2:
Coursework and practical or project
For one sport candidates will be marked on their level of performance. They will also be assessed in their ability to officiate a game or as a coach.

A Level

Unit 3:
Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport (2 hour exam)
Again there are 3 components of study.

Applied Physiology:
Anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, muscle structure and function, sports supplements, specialised training, sports injuries and biomechanics of movement.

Sport Psychology:
Personality, arousal and anxiety, attitudes, aggression, theories of confidence, group dynamics and leadership.

Contemporary Influences:
World games, sport organisations, deviance in sport, law, commercialism and sports technology.

Unit 4:

Coursework and practical or project
For a sport of their choice, candidates will be marked on their level of performance and their ability to observe and analyse their performance in relation to an elite sportsperson.

Looking Further Ahead
An A level in Physical Education will be beneficial for a number of courses. There are degree courses in sports science, exercise science, teaching, physiotherapy, osteopathy, sports medicine, nutrition, sports journalism and leisure management. Both Cambridge and Oxford recognise A Level PE as an academic subject.