The Physical Education course will enable you to understand and analyse the major concepts and principles underlying sport and physical education and to develop an understanding of the historical, physical, social, cultural and psychological factors which influence sport and physical education.  You will pursue theoretical principles through practical performance.  You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate knowledge of principles, definitions and concepts of sport and physical education. These will include factors affecting efficiency and effectiveness of performance and skill acquisitions and the development and establishment of physical education and sport in society.

AS Level

Unit One - Factors affecting performance - Written Paper - 1 hour 30 minutes

Section A  - Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Section B -  Acquiring, Performing and Teaching Movement Skills

Unit 2 - Contemporary Studies in PE and Sport

Students will recognise the broader aspects of Physical Education and Sport whilst studying the aspects of:

• Concepts of Play
• Sociological Aspects of PE and Sport
• Sport and Culture

Unit 3 - Coursework

Students are assessed in two activities, one individual and one game.  The assessment is divided into the following categories:

• Demonstration of specified techniques - 20%
• Observation and analysis of techniques - 10%

A2 Level

In addition to Units 1, 2 and 3 the student wishing to complete the full A Level will then continue to study Units 4,5 and 6 in the second year.

Unit 4 - Options

Option A (i) - Historical Studies in Physical Education and Sport

Students will study the development of Sport within the United Kingdom

• Popular Recreation in a Pre-Industrial Setting
• 19th Century Public School Development of Athleticism
• Rational Recreation in an Urban Industrial Society

Option A (ii) - Comparative Studies in Physical Education and Sport

• Ethnic sport and the evolution of new games
• Sport and the pursuit of excellence

Option B - Psychology of Sports Performance

• Group Dynamics of Sports Performance
• Competition effects on Sports Performance

Unit 5 Exercise Physiology

This module is concerned with how performance can be enhanced by training.  Other areas studied include:

• Role of ATP
• Energy Continuum
• Ergogenic aids

Unit 6 - Coursework - Continuation and development of the practical component

The Physical Education Course is a demanding one.  It offers many varying aspects of Sport and Physical Education and will be enjoyable and challenging for any student with a love of sport and a desire to gain further relevant knowledge.