A Level |OCR

“PE at A Level demands full commitment to your chosen sport outside of Sixth Form plus, extensive theoretical work. A Level PE incorporates many other subjects into its studies, such as Human Biology, History and Psychology to name a few, making it an interesting and diverse subject to study.”
Samuel, Year 12

Why study Physical Education?

A Level Physical Education is an exciting course for students who have a genuine interest in sport, physical activity and human performance. The course combines theory with practical performance, allowing students to develop their understanding of the scientific, psychological and sociocultural factors that influence sporting performance. Students will explore topics including applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition, sports psychology, sport and society, and the impact of technology on physical activity and sport. The course provides opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real sporting situations and develop the analytical and evaluative skills required to succeed at A Level. The course is particularly suited to students who enjoy both the academic and practical sides of sport and who are interested in understanding why performers and teams perform in the way they do.

Extra-curricular aspects of the course

Students are encouraged to take an active role in sport both within and beyond Sixth Form. There are opportunities to participate in a range of sports through our Sixth Form enrichment programme, as well as opportunities to develop leadership skills through the Blessed Thomas Holford Ambassador Programme. Students are encouraged to become involved in supporting the PE department, school teams and wider community sporting opportunities. This may include assisting with younger pupils, supporting clubs and fixtures, developing leadership skills and gaining valuable experience within the sporting environment. As part of the practical element of A Level PE, students are assessed in one sport as a performer. Students must therefore be playing their chosen sport to a good standard outside of Sixth Form and should be regularly training and competing through a club, team or other appropriate sporting environment. This is an important requirement for students considering A Level Physical Education, as their practical performance contributes to their overall A Level grade.

Entry Requirements

Students wishing to study A Level Physical Education should have a strong interest in sport and physical activity and be prepared to engage with both the academic and practical demands of the course. Students should achieve a Grade 6 or above in GCSE Physical Education to study A Level Physical Education.

Students who have not studied GCSE PE are still encouraged to consider the course and should ideally have achieved a Grade 6 in GCSE English and a Grade 6 in GCSE Science (Double Award) or Grade 5 in GCSE Science (Triple Award). As the course includes practical assessment, students should also be regularly participating, training or competing in their main sport, either within school or for a club or team outside of Sixth Form. If you are passionate about sport and interested in studying A Level PE but are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, we would encourage you to speak to a member of the PE department.

Higher Education and Careers

A Level Physical Education can provide an excellent foundation for a wide range of university courses and careers. The combination of scientific knowledge, practical performance, analytical skills and understanding of people and society is highly transferable.

Students may progress to degrees and careers including:

• Sport and Exercise Science
• Physiotherapy
• Sports Therapy
• Sports Coaching and Development
• Sports Management
• Physical Education Teaching
• Strength and Conditioning
• Sports Psychology
• Occupational Therapy
• Health and Exercise Promotion
• Exercise and Rehabilitation
• Sports Journalism and Media
• The Armed Forces and other public services

The course can also complement subjects such as Biology, Psychology, Health and Social Care and other science or social science subjects.

A-Level

 MRS GREGSON
K.GREGSON@bthcc.org