Years 12 and 13 AS/A2 Physical Education Curriculum Plan
A-LEVEL PE CURRICULUM
For pupils with an interest in sport, AS/A level Physical Education provides a greater understanding of the cultural, historical, psychological, scientific and sociological basis for physical education.
The aims of the course are that by learning about and through a range of physical activities pupils will be able to:
• Develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the factors, which influence the quality of performance.
• Apply the knowledge, skills and understanding to a range of activities to improve performance either as a performer or as a coach or official.
• Evaluate performance and plan for the improvement of it.
• Develop an understanding of the socio-cultural, moral, global and contemporary factors in physical education, which affect participation in and provision for sport and physical activity.
AS level summary
Unit 1:
Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle
• 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
Weighting: 60% of total AS Level marks, 30% A Level marks
• Candidates are required to answer seven questions from section A on applied physiology, skill acquisition and opportunities for participation.
• As well as one question from section B examining the application of theoretical knowledge to a practical situation.
Unit 2:
Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as performer and/or in an adopted role/s
• Execution of skills/techniques in two roles (performer, official/referee/umpire/judge or leader/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
Weighting: 40% of total AS Level marks, 20% A Level marks
For pupils who wish to complete the full A level course a further two modules are studied providing pupils with the opportunity to develop and extend the knowledge, skills and understanding gained at AS to optimize their own , or others' performances.
A2 level summary
Unit 3:
Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport
• 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 rational recreation to its modern day format.
Assessment
Written paper: 2 hours (84 marks)
Weighting: 30% of the total A Level marks
Candidates answer six questions, two from each section, A, B and C; Section A looks at how the application of physiological factors can optimise performance.
Section B looks at how psychological knowledge can optimise performance.
Section C evaluates contemporary influences in sport and their impact on the performer.
Unit 4:
Philosophical Problems
• 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
Weighting: 20% of the total A Level marks
Candidates are assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate their own performance of the core skills/techniques in a competitive situation as either a player/ performer or in an adopted role. Using their knowledge and understanding then identify their weakness; suggest the causes of these weaknesses and appropriate corrective measures.
Mr L M Hilton
Director of Sport
