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‘AS’ and ‘A2’ LEVEL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The department currently follows the OCR AS & A2 syllabus.
In order to gain access to the course, students are expected to attain 5 GCSE passes. It is not essential that you have studied PE at GCSE in order to take an AS Level in PE. Some topics are developments of GCSE work but others are new. It is important that you have a proven 'love' for sport, a lively and enquiring mind, a willingness to explore new ideas and an abilty to communicate your ideas effectively.
All students are expected to fully involve themselves within the practices, clubs and life of the P.E. department as well as activities out of school.
This subject will focus on the following areas
- Developing your practical skills in sporting activities of your choice.
- Pursuing theoretical principles through practical performance.
- Helping you understand and discuss the historical, social, cultural, psychological issues influencing sport and physical education.
- Helping you understand how the body works and how you can help it work better
- Your ability to demonstrate knowledge of principles, definitions and concepts of sport and the factors affecting efficiency and effectiveness of sport performance
AS Level
Unit 1 - 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
Written Paper - 1 hour 30 minutes
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 Performance and its improvement through critical analysis.
Students are assessed in two activities, usually one individual and one game, from two areas of the national curriculum. The assessment is divided into the following categories:
- Demonstration of specified techniques
- Observation and analysis of techniques
- Personal Performance Portfolio
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 B (ii) Psychology of Sports Performance
- Group dynamics of sport performance
- Competition effects on sport 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 – The improvement of effective performance and critical evaluation of the practical activities with synoptic application. 
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.
Method of assessment
You will be assessed throughout your two years of study. In both the first and second year you will complete three units, two of which will be assessed through written examinations.
Progression
A variety of options will be open to you after completing this subject including further study of physical education and sports science at university. Combined with A-level subjects such as biology, sociology and psychology, you will be equipped to study sport science related degrees such as sport management, sport therapy, teaching, sport coaching and physiotherapy. By obtaining the sport coaching certificates you will gain confidence in your skills. |
