Physical Education

Head of Department         Sue Stables

A Level Teachers               Sue Stables and Helen Capp

Examining board               AQA

Coursework content        AS internal practical assessment with external moderation

                                        A2 internal practical assessment with external moderation

Form of Examination        AS one written examination, A2 one written examination

Should I choose this subject?

This course will appeal to those students who:

• want to know more about how the body functions and the effects of exercise
• have a keen interest in sport and recreation (participant and/or spectator)
• have gained a Grade B Science at GCSE
• want to experience and develop an interest in a variety of roles such as performer, official and leader/coach
• want to build on their previous experience from Key Stage 4 and GCSE to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the factors that affect performance and participation in sport and physical activity
• want to evaluate and discuss contemporary development in sport, such as the impact of new technology, sport-specific rehabilitation and the use of ergogenic aids

What is it about?

AS

The specification develops knowledge and skills to help understand the opportunities for, and effects of, leading a healthy and active lifestyle:

UNIT 1: Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle

UNIT 2: Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as a performer and/or in an adopted role/s

A2 COURSE

The specification enables candidates to further develop their understanding of key philosophical concepts, themes, texts and techniques:

UNIT 3: Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport

UNIT 4: Optimising practical performance in a competitive situations

How will it be studied?

The course will be studied through the development of the theoretical aspects through practical involvement.  It will be studied by collecting analysing and interpreting data, communicating your findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject using problem solving techniques, debate and information technology.

How will sport and physical education be useful in the future?

Physical education combines with a range of GCE subjects.  It supports applications for a wide range of university courses like sports science, physiotherapy, recreation and leisure studies and there are many new and exciting courses related to sport throughout higher education.  GCE Physical Education develops transferable skills and key skills that employers are looking for and they can lead to a very wide range of employment opportunities.  This can lead to further training in such areas as recreational management, leisure activities, armed forces and the Civil Service.