What does the course involve?
In Year 12 the course consists of 2 modules as follows:
Unit 1: Participation in Sport and Recreation
- The development of active leisure and recreation
- Healthy lifestyle
- Effects of exercise - responses and adaptations of the body
- Systems
- Fitness and training
- Fitness assessment
- The development of competitive sport
- Performance pathways
- Lifelong involvement
- The long-term athlete
Externally assessed , 1hr 30 min writtene exam, 50% of AS level, 25% of total GCE mark
Unit 2: The Critical Sports Performer
- Personal performance - as either player
, leader or official
- Local study
- National study
- Performance analysis
Internally assessed, a portfolio of evidence is required in 4 separate tasks within the unit. Some students will then be assessed by an external moderator.
50% of AS level - 25% of total GCE mark
Students progressing to A2 will follow a similar pattern of 2 modules as follows...
Unit 3: Preparation for Optimum Sports Performance:
Short-term
- Physiological preparation
- Psychological preparation
- Technical preparation
- Fatigue and the recovery process
Long-term
- Physiological preparation
- Psychological preparation
- Technical preparation
Managing elite performance
- Centres of excellence
- Technical support
Externally assessed, 2hr written exam, 50% of A2 level, 25% of total GCE mark
Unit 4: The Developing Sports Performer
- Development plan – in the role of either player, leader or official.
- Progressive participation - in the role of either player, leader or official.
- International study
- Life Plan
Internally assessed, students will then be assessed by an external moderator. 50% of A2 level, 25% of total GCE mark
How Do I Prepare For AS and A2 Physical Education?
It is not a requirement that you should have studied PE at GCSE level in order to take A Level PE. Several topics covered in the course are developments of work covered at GCSE but others are new. What is important is that you should have a lively and enquiring mind and an interest in Physical Education and sport. Maintain your levels of performance in your particular sport and train hard, aim to be involved with a club where possible.
Future Prospects
Traditional careers which involve sport are; Teaching, Physiotherapy, Coaching & Fitness Training, Psychology, Armed Forces & Sports Instructors.