Physical Education

Course Details

The subject is concerned with the ‘study of sport' and is split into different areas which are taught by different members of the PE Department, who are specialists in their field.

The AS course is split into 2 Units
Unit 1 - Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle
• Section A contains the study of applied exercise, physiology, skill acquisition and opportunities for participation.
• Section B will examine the application of theoretical knowledge to a practical situation.

Unit 2 - Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as a performer and/or in an adopted role/s
• Section A: Pupils are assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in their chosen sport (for example rugby or hockey):
Pupils will also be assessed on their ability as a coach and/or referee in their chosen sport
• Section B will look at the theoretical factors that improve performance.

The A2 course follows on if the student so wishes. It is also split into 2 Units.
Unit 3 - Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport
• Section A contains the study of how exercise physiology can optimise performance.
• Section B contains the study of how the application of psychological knowledge can optimise performance.
• Section C contains the study of contemporary influences in sport and their impact on the performer.

Unit 4 - Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation
Pupils are assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate their own performance in a competitive/performance situation as either a player/ performer or in an adopted role.
Then using their knowledge and understanding candidates identify their weaknesses; suggest the causes of these weaknesses and the appropriate corrective measures.

Skills gained:
Literacy - The variety within the subject means that both short answers and more detailed written work is required.
Scientific - Whatever your background, you may find a new approach to aspects of science very interesting: anatomy and physiology, for example, are studied from a sporting perspective.
Research - Research is required for the coursework module in sport studies. The department has a well stocked library of books, videos and CD ROMs which can be used for many parts of the course.
I.T. - Many parts of the course require I.T. skills.
Statistics - Results that have been collected for coursework require analysis.
Communication - Essential in many parts of the course, but especially in project or practical work. Use of a digital/video camera is necessary as video evidence is an important part of the assessment.
Organisational - Coursework may well see you coaching a group of youngster students.

Connections with other subjects

In itself it offers a combination of science and humanities skills and therefore goes well with both arts and sciences.

Post A level

Physical Education is a suitable qualification for any non-specialist course or career, as well as such courses as: sport science, physiotherapy, sports psychology, teaching and sports management.

Career opportunities within the sport and leisure industry have grown considerably in the last ten years, and will continue to do so. There is a long list of many different professions that graduates have gone into. These include: physiotherapy, sports psychology, teaching, sports management, a career as a professional sports person (football, rugby, cricket, athletics, and tennis), professional sports coaching or administration of sport, sports law, media and journalism.