PE A-LEVEL
For more information please see Mr Wing
For whom is this course suitable?
Students studying A Level PE will have achieved at least a grade 5 in GCSE PE, or a Merit in
NCFE Health and Fitness, if they have taken either of those courses during Key Stage 4. If
you have an interest in the theory behind both physical and psychological performance in
sport, and are keen to learn more of the wider issues related to sport and physical activity
then you will really enjoy the course. You must also have an interest in playing sport
outside of school as part of the assessment will require you to be a practical performer or
coach in one sport of your choice.
What will I learn on this course?
In the theory part of the course you will study the following three components:
• Component 1: Physiological Factors Affecting Performance. 2 hr exam. 30% of the
final grade.
• Component 2: Psychological Factors Affecting Performance. 1 hr exam. 20% of the
final grade.
• Component 3: Socio Cultural & Contemporary Issues. 1 hr exam. 20% of the final
grade.
This is an overview of the three theory components.
1. Physiological factors includes the following areas: Bones, Muscles & Joints;
Biomechanics; Levers; Cardiovascular System; Respiratory System; Exercise
Physiology; Injury Prevention.
2. Psychological factors includes the following areas: Movement Skills; Information
Processing; Memory; Motivation; Arousal; Personality.
3. Socio-Cultural & Contemporary factors includes the following areas: Olympic
Games; Violence in Sport; Sponsorship & the Media; Funding of Physical Activity;
Commercialisation; Amateurism & Professionalism.
Overall, the theory part of the course is worth 70% of the final A Level grade.
Component 4: Performance within Physical Education. 30%.
In the practical aspect of the course, students will be assessed in their strongest practical
activity (from the DfE published list). Video evidence will be required in order to be assessed
in a sport of your choice as this is shown to the exam moderator. Video footage is requested
to be handed into Mr Wing before the Christmas break in Year 13. It is strongly
recommended that you are training and performing in your sport on a regular basis during
both Year 12 & 13.
In addition to your practical performance, you must conduct an Evaluation & Analysis of
Performance task. This is where you analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a sporting
performance of your choice.
