Are you fascinated by the human body? Have you ever wondered why some people can run faster than others? How drugs enhance performance in sport? What gives Olympic champions the psychological edge over their competitors? How technology can advance sports performance? Then A Level Physical Education (PE) is for you.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5.

Topics you will study include:

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
• Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology
• Section B: Skill acquisition
• Section C: Sport and society

Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
• Section A: Exercise physiology and biomechanics
• Section B: Sport psychology
• Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport

Non-exam assessment
• Practical performance in physical activity and sport
• Written/verbal analysis of performance

You will enhance your knowledge of sport and the wider issues surrounding it including the science of movement, current issues in sport, the workings of the mind and how sport has developed through time. Alongside this, you will also develop your practical ability in your chosen sport.  You will also benefit from access to our Sport and Fitness Suite and state-of-the-art equipment.

Topics are assessed through two written exams at the end of the second year. The written exam accounts for 70% of your final grade. The practical element of the course accounts for 15% of your final grade and you are assessed as a player or coach in a full sided, competitive version of your chosen sport. The final 15% is assessed through written/verbal analysis and evaluation of your performance in your chosen sport.

Exam Board: AQA

First-year students are required to complete a one-week work experience placement. Work experience is a vital part of a young person’s learning experience. It supports the academic skills you develop during your time at The Sixth Form and allows you to acquire skills that cannot be taught in the classroom. Responsibility for obtaining this placement lies ultimately with you as the student, although there is a vast amount of support and guidance available to assist you through the careers team, curriculum teachers and your pastoral coach.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of enrichment during your time at college and we encourage our students to do so. Opportunities include: first aid, Voluntary Service Award, cricket, football, citizenship club, mental health first aid, primary school reading scheme and sign language

• You will be taught by industry specialists 

• Excellent employer links and key industry speakers

• Sports Academies available in Football, Rugby and Cricket

• Opportunities to take part in external awards such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

• Practical training sessions that will help prepare you for the demands of employment in your chosen industry

• Benefit from outstanding facilities

A Level PE is an excellent base for a university degree in physiotherapy, sport science, sport management, healthcare or exercise and health, as well as complementing further study in biology, psychology, nutrition and many more. This course opens up a range of career opportunities including physiotherapy, sport science, sport coaching, personal training or teaching.

To study A Level PE, you must play sport at a competitive level in order to be assessed on the practical element. You should be playing regularly for a team inside or outside of The Sixth Form.

As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to undertake the Level 2 Gym Instructor course. We are able to offer this at a significantly reduced cost. The course is aimed at those wishing to pursue a career within the health and fitness industry, equipping you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work with gym users and help them to reach their health and fitness goals. The qualification is nationally accredited and recognised throughout the UK and overseas.