Course Details

• Department - Physical Education
• Course Title - AS / A2 Physical Education
• Exam Board - OCR Syllabus Code - 3875

What are the entry qualifications?

It is strongly recommended that you have studied GCSE P.E., and have a sporting interest and background.

Why study Physical Education?

Physical Education is one of the fastest growing subject areas, and it provides many exciting opportunities for students. It allows you to develop both physical and intellectual skills, and to improve your practical performance. A level P.E. is a natural progression from G.C.S.E. P.E.

What Will I Learn

The focus of the course is the performer and performance. The course involves interaction between the theory and practice of Physical Education. It aims to provide you with the knowledge and understanding to improve your own level of performance.

Practical coursework involves students being assessed in two different roles for AS, and can specialise in one role at A2 level. Roles include; Performer, Official or Leader/Coach. Students can be assessed in these roles in their choice of practical activities. We offer an extensive range including; football, swimming, trampolining, ski-ing, hockey, mountain walking, netball etc.

The AS course consists of two units.

Unit 1: Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. In this unit we learn to understand how the body and its systems can help to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. This unit includes the following topics: Health, exercise and fitness; Nutrition; Anatomy and physiology; Skill acquisition; Opportunities for participation and School PE and Sport.

Unit 2: Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as a performer and/or in adopted roles. This unit involves applying your knowledge and understanding from the theoretical unit, in order to develop and improve performance. Students will be assessed in two different roles. You will be able to analyse your own and others' performance in order to refine skills and to improve. The roles include a Performer, Official or Leader/Coach. You can be assess in one activity or more of your choice. You could therefore be assessed as a coach in football and an umpire in tennis, without actually performing yourself!

Through practical activities you will learn about physiological factors which contribute to effective performance e.g. fitness testing and training methods. You will also cover factors contributing to effective acquisition of skill in practical situations, such as; teaching styles, and feedback.

The A2 course requires the study of two further units.

Unit 3: Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within Sport. This A2 unit examines applied physiology, psychological aspects and contemporary influences, which can optimise performance. This includes topics such as; Energy systems, sports injuries, aggression, leadership, world games and commercialism.

Unit 4: Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation. In this unit students are assessed on their performance in one of the following roles; Performer, Official, Leader/Coach, in their chosen activity. Students will also be expected to analyse and critically evaluate their own or others' performance and suggest strategies for improvement. This can be assessed through a verbal discussion or written notes.

How will I learn Physical Education?

There will be four theory lessons per week, and one practical lesson, which will be delivered by a range of specialist teaching staff. You will also be encouraged to be involved in extra-curricular activities, and other clubs outside school, in order to improve your personal performance.

The course will be delivered through a wide range of teaching and learning styles. This could include individual and group research and presenting your findings to the rest of the group. Your knowledge of the syllabus will be assessed regularly using past paper exam questions.

Physical Education: Is it for me?

Physical Education is an excellent subject for students who are interested in sport, and in improving their own practical performance in a range of activities. We will expect you to develop a high level of fitness, and show a positive and hardworking attitude towards all aspects of the course.

Physical Education can fit in well with most other subjects. However, it can be specifically linked with; Biology, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. This qualification can lead onto higher education, to pursue a career in teaching or coaching, professional sport, work in the leisure and tourism industry, recreation management, work in the health and fitness industry, Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology, Sports Science, Sports Sociology, Physical Education, Sports media, and much more!

Futher Information

There will be three theory lessons per week, and two practical lessons, which will be delivered by a range of specialist teaching staff. You will also be encouraged to be involved in extra-curricular activities, and other clubs outside school, in order to improve your personal performance, in any chosen role.

The course will be delivered through a wide range of teaching and learning styles. This could include individual and group research and presenting your findings to the rest of the group. Your knowledge of the syllabus will be assessed regularly using past exam paper questions.

Physical Education is an excellent subject for students who are interested in sport, and in improving their own and/or others' practical performance in a range of activities. We will expect you to be committed to developing a high level of fitness and skill, in yourself or others, and show a positive and hardworking attitude towards all aspects of the course.

Physical Education can fit well with most subjects. However, it can be specifically linked with; Biology, Physics, Psychology and Sociology.

Future Oppurtunities

This qualification can lead onto higher education, to pursue a career in teaching or coaching, professional sport, work in the leisure and tourism industry, recreation management, work in the health and fitness industry, Physiotherapy, Sports Psychology, Sports Science, Sports Sociology, Physical Education, Sports media, and much more!