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Physical Education A Level

SPECIFICATION LINK: 7582

TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physical Education (601/8633/1)

COURSE INFORMATION

Our A-level specification in physical education should equip students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. This will require them to:

  • develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance
  • understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance
  • understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people's involvement in physical activity and sport
  • understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport
  • refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
  • develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance
  • understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness
  • improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.
Subject content
  1. Applied anatomy and physiology
  2. Skill acquisition
  3. Sport and society
  4. Exercise physiology
  5. Biomechanical movement
  6. Sport psychology
  7. Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

What’s assessed?

  • Section A – Applied anatomy and physiology (35 marks)
  • Section B – Skill acquisition (35 marks)
  • Section C – Sport and society (35 marks)

How it’s assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • Total: 105 marks
  • 35% of A-level
Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

What’s assessed?

  • Section A – Exercise physiology and biomechanics (35 marks)
  • Section B – Sports psychology (35 marks)
  • Section C –Sport and society and technology in sport (35 marks)

How it’s assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • Total: 105 marks
  • 35% of A-level
Practical performance in physical activity and sport

What’s assessed?

  • Students are assessed as a player/performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity
  • 15% of non-exam assessment, plus
  • Written/verbal analysis and evaluation of performance
  • 15% of non-exam assessment
  • Internal assessment, external moderation
  • Total: 90 marks
ROUTES FOR PROGRESSION

Progression routes from the course include the armed forces, public services, physiotherapy, fitness instructor, sport and leisure management, PE teaching, sports science and coaching.