KS5 - Physical Education
Level 3 (A Level Physical Education)
COURSE OVERVIEW
A Level Physical Education combines 7 areas of study across 2 years. These range from Anatomy and Physiology to Psychology in Sport and Analysis. The course has been designed to lead into a huge variety of careers in both the sporting and science industries. It combines practical performance with theoretical application and is often considered as a science by universities. It also includes an annual residential trip to focus on course content and practical application through outdoor adventurous activities. Opportunities such as university laboratory visits, sporting expert seminars and elite performance visits are all part of this exciting and diverse A level.
COURSE CONTENT & ASSESSMENT
Theoretical Application – 70%
7 Areas of Study:
Anatomy and Physiology
Sports Psychology
Sport and Society
Technology and Analysis in Sport
Exercise Physiology
Skill Acquisition
Biomechanics
Practical Application – 30%
Students enter 1 sport from the list below and will also complete a short analysis assignment. Students are expected to be already competing in one of these sports to a competitive standard:
Association football, Amateur boxing, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Canoeing, Cricket, Cycling (track or road), Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Gaelic football, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Hurling, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Netball, Rock climbing, Rowing, Rugby league/union, Sculling, Skiing, Snowboarding, Squash, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis, Trampolining, Volleyball.
WHAT NEXT?
A Level Physical Education is unique in the sense that it opens so many doors into the sport and science world. Students have gone to university and then into work as analysts in professional sport, work as sport scientists and also venture into the world of sports journalism.
Entry Requirements:
Students must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSE's including English and Maths at grade 5 or above. Essential: Theory - A grade 6 or above in Double Science, Biology (if studying additional science) and GCSE Physical Education. A distinction grade in BTEC Sport Level 2. Practical - Must play sport to a competitive level in 1 of the activities outlined. Desirable - Play sport competitively to county level and above in 1 of the activities listed.
“A level PE has been an essential stepping stone for my career in Teaching. It was both fulfilling and enjoyable.”
Level 3 (BTEC)
TWO COURSE OPTIONS:
BTEC Level 3 – National Diploma in Sport: Double qualification
BTEC Level 3 – National Extended Diploma in Sport: Triple qualification (Pearson)
COURSE OVERVIEW
A coursework based subject that provides an introduction for learners interested in careers in the sport and physical activity industry. These include careers in teaching, coaching and leadership, exercise and fitness, sports development and the outdoors.
The BTEC helps to develop knowledge, understanding, experience and skills that you need to prepare yourself for employment, including time management, organisation and leadership.
Studying BTEC Sport is an excellent way to combine both practical and theoretical aspects of sport, hands on experience of lesson planning, coaching and fitness testing. The assessment is predominantly coursework based, marked at pass, merit or distinction level, when all units have been completed, students obtain an overall grade equivalent to two (Diploma) or three (extended diploma) A levels.
COURSE CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT
13 Units for National Diploma in Sport
19 Units for the Extended Diploma
DIPLOMA UNIT
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
The Physiology of Fitness
Assessing Risk in Sport
Fitness Training and Programming
Sports Coaching
Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise
Sports Nutrition
Psychology for Sports Performance
Sports Injuries
Analysis of Sports Performance
Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport
Technical & Tactical Skills in Sport
The Athletes Lifestyle
ADDITIONAL EXTENDED UNITS
Current Issues in Sport
Exercise, Health and Lifestyle
Instructing Physical Activity
Talent Identification & Development in Sport
Sports and Exercise Massage
Organising Sports Events
WHAT NEXT?
Students who are successful and achieve their potential with this qualification gain access to:
- University courses in teaching, sport science and psychology
- Further training with apprenticeships
- Employment within the sporting sector – coaching and personal training
The qualification combines well with physical education and biology, psychology and even business studies. The course provides the essential skills and background for many careers, including Physiotherapy, Sports Development, Sports Coaching, Personal Training, Sport Journalism and the Fitness and Leisure Industry.
Entry Requirements:
Course-specific Entry Requirements - Essential: C Grade in English and Maths GCSE, Grade Merit in BTEC First in Sport, Grade C in GCSE PE, Entry level qualification - Level 2 Diploma Teamwork and Personal Development. Desirable: An active interest in sport, related work experience,