Physical Education AS/A Level

This A Level will benefit anyone considering a career which is Physical Education or Sport related, ie PE teaching, sports coaching, physiotherapy, recreational/leisure management, fitness training and the Forces. It provides learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for progression into higher education to study a sport related course.

Students will develop an understanding of anatomy, sports psychology, applied exercise physiology, biomechanics, fitness testing/training, skill acquisition and the historical, social and cultural aspects within Sport and Physical Education.

An element of the course will be taught through practical sessions, but this is predominantly a theoretical, exam-based course. However, students will be encouraged to use their sporting experiences to better understand the concepts developed in class.

All students will be required to do a practical element as part of their coursework which will involve two aspects from personal performance (playing/officiating/coaching) from one or two sports.

The rest of the syllabus will be tested via examinations at the end of each of the two years.

Learners who decide to make Physical Education one of their subjects in their A Level programme are actively encouraged to enrol on the College’s Sports Development Programme (although this is not mandatory).

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle

Topic list

• The physiological effects of adopting a healthy lifestyle
  
• The short term effect of exercise/performance and the long term effects of training
  
• Analysis of movement across a range of sporting actions
  
• Acquisition of skills and the impact of psychological factors on performance
  
• Opportunities for physical activity, benefits to the individual and society and the potential barriers faced by minority groups.
  

Assessment: Written Paper: 2 hours (60% of total AS Level)

Unit 2: Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as performer and/or in an adopted role/s

Topic list

• Execution of skills/techniques in two roles (performer, official or coach) in a chosen physical activity
  
• Analysis of own performance
  
• Application of theoretical knowledge to achieve effective performance
  

Assessment: Internal assessment with external moderation: 100 marks (40% of total AS Level)

The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport

Topic list

• Energy sources and systems
  
• Elite preparation and training
  
• Specialised training and sports injuries
  
• The use of psychological theories and techniques to optimise performance
  
• Concepts and characteristics of World Games and their impact on the state and individual
  
• Development and impact of sports technology on performers, equipment and facilities
  
• The development of sport from recreation to its modern day format.
  

Assessment: Written Paper: 2 hours (84 marks 30% of total A Level)

Unit 4: Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation

Topic list

• Optimising performance in competitive or performance conditions in one role
  
• Evaluation of own performance in identifying weaknesses
  
• Suggesting cause of own weakness and an appropriate corrective measure
  

Assessment: Internal assessment with external moderation: 120 marks (20% of total A Level)

Exclusive Henley College Sportswear can be purchased from Tylers Embroidery - click here for the website