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A Level Physical Education

The Physical Education course is designed for those students who have an interest in the main theoretical components of physical education and also for those who display a high sporting level in at least one sport as a performer and/or coach. The course looks at anatomical, physiological and psychological theories and applies them to current sporting activity and performance. Everyone on the course will undertake personal study, where you will analyse sporting performance and develop ways to improve either your own personal skill level or that of others. You are also assessed in personal skill levels and in competitive practical situations.

Key information

Sport & Protective Services / Full Time / A Levels and Equivalent

Why choose this course?

First Year
This gives an introduction to physical education, including anatomy and physiology, acquisition of skills, and sport and society relating to participation in physical activity. The aim is to ensure that all the basic concepts are covered and then be able to apply these to practical situations to enhance performance and skill levels. The practical element of the course is covered through Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): Practical Performance in Physical Activity and Sport. This includes a practical assessment and written coursework in one activity as a performer or coach.

Second Year
The second year of the course further develops the principles learnt in Year 1 and covers the topics of applied physiology, biomechanics and technology in sport. The NEA component in the second year of study includes assessment in one practical activity as either a performer or coach, and must be linked to the full competitive sporting environment. You will also complete a written coursework component based on a self-analysis of key skills in the chosen activity area.

What will I learn?

First Year

Paper 1: Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Activity and Sport (70% of AS Mark)

Section A: Applied Physiology. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (28 marks)
Section B: Skill Acquisition and Sports Psychology. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (28 marks )
Section C: Sport and Society and Technology in Sport. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (28 marks)

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) (30% of AS): Practical performance in physical activity and sport. You will be assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity. Plus, producing a written analysis of performance.

Second Year

Paper 1: Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Activity and Sport (35% of A Level)

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),/em>
Section C: Sport and Society. Multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

Paper 2: Factors Affecting Optimal Performance in Physical Activity and Sport (35% of A Level)

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)

Practical performance in physical activity and sport. You will be assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity. Plus, producing a written analysis of performance.

Assessment Arrangements

You will be taught and assessed using a variety of different methods including formal lectures, class activities, set homework, exam preparation and individual research. Formal assessment is as follows:

First Year: 1 written exam of 2 hours. 70% - practical and written coursework assessment 30%
Second Year: 2 written exams of 2 hours each. 70% - practical and written coursework assessment 30%.

Information & Support

You will be expected to spend at least six hours in independent study time per week.

Where will it take me?

Further possibilities include Higher Education courses in Sports Coaching, Sports Therapy and Exercise and Health & Fitness. Future careers include teaching, coaching, physiotherapy, sports retail, sports therapy, journalism, sport administration in leisure and sports development.

What will I need?

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths at grade 5 and English at grade 6. The ability to play a sport from the specification at a high level is also an advantage.

Additional Information

Awarding Body:
AQA

To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk

From the course

Becca

Becca

Progression: Physiotherapy - Plymouth University

Courses studied: A Level PE, Biology and English Literature

Extra Activites: Netball Academy

Previous School: Bodmin College

How are you finding your course/experience at university?

The uni experience has been unreal so far, I have learned so much and met a lot of amazing people! The course is interspersed with modules, practicals and clinical placements. Luckily, we have been able to continue with essential face-to-face practical's in PPE despite Covid and I have still managed to go out onto 2 clinical placements in different hospital settings during the height of the pandemic. 

How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/ transition to university?

My A-Level PE lecturers encouraged me to do a L2 gym instructor course. I am super thankful for this because it has helped massively with regards to exercise prescription and knowledge of good form/technique on my course. Callywith also sent me on a Girls Active Course which was in partnership with 'This Girl Can' and 'Women in Sport'. I learned innovative approaches to get girls engaged in sport and physical activity. I have used these skills in clinical practice to promote adherence to physiotherapy treatment with patients who are less on board with exercise.

What did you enjoy in particular about studying PE / Sport at college?

I really enjoyed learning a wide variety of modules in A-Level PE from anatomy, psychology, the history of sport to the rules and regulations then applying this to the practical element. I feel as though having this wider knowledge of PE has really benefited my own personal development in sport too. 

Why did you choose your course at university?

I have always found the human anatomy interesting enjoyed competing in a wide range of sports that meant I gained a pretty good awareness of the human body which was something that I found interesting. This only developed further at college on the PE course so naturally, I wanted to pursue a career that would combine my interest and enjoyment for both sport and human physiology. 

How have your A Levels / Diploma helped you in your degree?

The anatomy and physiology modules of A-Level sport have given me a solid understanding which underpins everything else that I have learned in addition at university. I also draw elements from the psychology modules too, such as psychological responses to injury. 

What are you hoping to do in the future?

I'm hoping to qualify and get a job in the NHS as a rotational musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Cornwall. The end goal is to have my own private clinic where I assess/treat athletes who are injured and looking to return to high-level sport.

How to apply to Callywith College

Find out HOW TO APPLY