Why study physical education?
Studying A-level physical education will give you a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance. Not only will you have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, you will also develop a wide ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport.
A-level physical education can open up a range of career opportunities including: sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, personal training or becoming one of the next generation of PE teachers. The transferable skills you learn through your study, such as decision making and independent thinking are also useful in any career path you choose to take.
What our students say
“We have studied sport relevant content, not just science. It offers a unique learning experience totally different from other subjects.”聽Phillip
“Really enjoy studying all aspects of sport. The topics are challenging but when linked to sport are easily explained.” Cameron
“The subject was important in my career path into physiotherapy.” Emma
“You can relate all the theories we have covered to your own experiences when playing or coaching sport.” Fergus
“Studying PE has help improve my individual performance in sport by studying training methods and nutrition. It helps me to understand why coaches use certain training methods.” Billy
Entry requirements
Grades 6 in both English and science at GCSE.
Potential courses
- Sports science
- Sports management
- Healthcare
- Biology
- Psychology
- Nutrition
- Sociology
- Medicine
- Business management
- Teaching
- Nursing
Potential careers
- Sports medicine
- Performance analysis (biomechanics)
- Sports development
- Sports coaching
- Personal training
- Teaching
- Event and sports management
The A-level course
Exam paper | % of A-level | Content |
---|---|---|
Unit 1 | 30 | 2 hour written paper 鈥 Physical factors affecting performance 鈥 Applied anatomy and physiology 鈥 Exercise and physiology and biomechanics |
Unit 2 | 20 | 1 hour written paper 鈥 Psychological factors 鈥 Skill acquisition and sports psychology |
Unit 3 | 20 | 1 hour written paper 鈥 Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport 鈥 Physical activity 鈥 Sport and society 鈥 Contemporary sporting issues |
Unit 4 | 15 | Non-written assessment (NEA) 鈥 Performance or coaching of an activity in physical education. |
Unit 5 | 15 | NEA 鈥 Evaluation and analysis of performance for improvement (EAPI) |
Alumni – where are they now?
- Gordon (2012) studied sports nutrition at Leeds University. Competing as an international triathlete.
- Jo (2018) studying sports science at Loughborough university. International weightlifter.
- Hattie (2013) plays Netball Super League.
- Rebecca (2016) studying at Old Dominion University on a hockey scholarship.
- Katy (2016) studying at University of Iowa on hockey scholarship
- Rosie (2016) studying at Loughborough University. Plays Netball Super League.
Choose another course
- Art and design
- Biology
- Business studies
- Chemistry
- Classical civilisation
- Computer science
- Design technology
- Drama and theatre studies
- Economics
- English language
- English literature
- French
- Geography
- German
- Government and politics
- History
- Latin
- Mathematics/Further
- Music
- Physical education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religious studies
- Sociology
- Spanish