A Level Physical Education
The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students who study A Level Physical Education. Studying this A Level gives you a fantastic insight into the world of sports performance.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
A Level Physical Education is possibly the most varied and wide ranging A Level you can study. During your two-year course, you will learn about the wide range of factors which can determine sport performance. The course will enable you to develop a broad range of knowledge applied to your own performance as well as athletes in general. From the perspective of the individual athlete, you will learn about anatomy and physiology and biomechanical movement, as well as how psychological factors, training, nutrition, and technological development in sport may impact on the individual or team athlete. You will investigate how coaches and athletes utilise our understanding of skill acquisition and psychological methods to develop the performer.
You will also consider the wider impact that our environment and society have on a person’s opportunity to participate and perform in sport. You will use much of this theoretical understanding to support a detailed analysis of your own performance as an athlete or coach as part of your non examined assessment.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
state-of-the-art facilities
varied content
sport academy links
outstanding tutor support
Practical application of theoretical topics
Using our outstanding facilities you will learn about athletic performance in the classroom as well as during practical lessons.
Inspiring and motivating
The Sport department is friendly, supportive, motivating and inspiring. Your achievement relies heavily on your attendance, punctuality and commitment to learning, both independently and within lectures.
Learn about your own performance
Through your work on the non-examined assessment you will analyse and evaluate your own sport or coaching ability and develop strategies to support your performance.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Year One – This introduces physical education, including anatomy and physiology, acquisition of skills, and sport and society relating to participation in physical activity.
Year Two – The second year of the course further develops the principles learnt in year one and covers the topics of applied physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology and technology in sport
Practical – The practical element of the course is covered through Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) – Â This includes a practical assessment in one fully competitive activity as a performer or coach as well as producing a written account of two main weaknesses in your sport and highlighting methods to improve your own personal performance.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
This A Level is an excellent base for a university degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Psychology, Engineering, Physiotherapy, Business, Teaching and Coaching. University level options in Sport are available through the University Centre Truro and Penwith for those students who want to continue their higher education in Cornwall.
Future career options include sport science, coaching, teaching, and physiotherapy.
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Throughout the two years of your course, you will be assessed using a range of teaching methods including in class tasks, regular homework, exam preparation and individual research
Formal assessment is as follows:
- 2 written exams of 2 hours each – 70%
- Practical and written coursework assessment – 30%
Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in Physical Activity and Sport (35% of A Level mark)
2 Hour Exam (105 marks)
Section A: Applied Anatomy and Physiology. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Section B: Skill Acquisition. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Section C: Sport and Society. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Paper Two: Factors Affecting Optimal Performance in Physical activity and Sport (35% of A Level)
2 Hour Exam (105 marks)
Section A: Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Section B: Sports Psychology. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Section C: Sport and Society and Technology in Sport. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) (30% of A Level):
90 Marks Internal assessment, external moderation
Practical performance in physical activity and sport. You will be assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided competitive version of one activity. Plus, producing a written analysis of performance. The sport chosen can only be from the published AQA practical activity list.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Grade 6 in a science related subject, Grade 6 in English Language/Literature or a Humanities subject, and Grade 5 in Maths.
Students should also be competing regularly in sport; one of which should be at or above county standard or equivalent.
INFORMATION & SUPPORT
You should expect to complete 6 hours of independent study in addition to your lessons.
FIRST DAY REQUIREMENTS
- A4 Folder
- Lined A4 note pad
- Pens
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
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£118,011
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