AS/A2 Physical Education

AS / A2 PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Exam Board: EdExcel
Sport in all its forms is now an important part of our economy with many and varied employment opportunities. The Government push to increase the fitness of the nation by participation in physical activity, combined with the heightened interest in sport caused by the 2012 London Olympics, has opened up many opportunities and there are many high quality degree programmes available at UK universities which have outstanding facilities. Many Paston students have gone on to avail themselves of these opportunities. This is an excellent time then to consider studying PE at AS/A-level.

The AS/A-level course mixes academic study with assignments and practical work. It gives you the opportunity to really study closely the sport you love. This includes local and national provision and how performance can be analysed and improved. The theory side is really varied and covers everything from how sport originated to the organisation of the Olympic games.

You will learn how the body adapts to exercise and how you can use that information to improve your own performance.

Pastons results in PE are very good with 100% pass rate at AS and A-level. Two students achieved marks in the top 10 nationally for AS PE in 2008. Enrichment activities on Wednesday afternoons include a wide range of sports. Regular fixtures are played against other colleges and we also promote minority sports including climbing and martial arts through an extra curricular programme. Paston provides opportunities for students to work for qualifications to enable you to coach or to referee in a variety of sports.

We have decided to study Sports Science at University because we want careers in sport and really enjoyed the
A-level course at Paston. Pat Gainsford and Adam Akers who have places at Essex University for 2009.

The fact that the AS/A course is so varied kept it interesting and the fact that my performance in the British Colleges National Championships went towards my grade really motivated me. Jon Battrick who has applied to study English Literature at Aberystwyth

I am really glad I took the course. Although it was hard work the varied syllabus and style of teaching made it enjoyable. Andrew Ward is hoping to go into a career in journalism after studying at the University of Lincoln.

I was delighted with being placed in the top 10 in the country in my AS exam and have applied to read Biology at York after A2s in 2009. Sarah Humphrey

AS Physical Education

In AS PE you will study:

• The development of sport from the gentleman amateur of the 18th century to the win at all costs athlete of today.
• Pathways of sporting development from the playground to the Olympics.
• How to design a fitness and training programme.
• Research into how the body adapts due to training.
• Modern lifestyles and how they impact on the nations health.

Your coursework, which contributes 50% of your marks, focuses on your chosen sport and how it is organised and developed both locally and nationally.

There is also practical assessment of your participation, coaching or officiating in a sport.

Assessment

Coursework and written and practical examinations.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including two from English Language, Mathematics and Science. An A*C in PE would be an advantage.

A2 Physical Education

The A2 syllabus is highly focussed on the development of elite performers. This encompasses some really interesting and cutting edge topics including the study of technology, human performance laboratories, psychology and video analysis. Is the use of hypoxic chambers in training fair? How effective is the Speedo shark swimsuit? By creating sporting academies are we becoming more like the former East Germans in our desire for gold medals? As with AS the course comprises a mix of theory, assignments and practical work, keeping it interesting, varied and relevant.

You will study:

• How does a top athlete prepare physically for a major competition?
• How does a top athlete prepare psychologically for a major competition?
• What role does technology play?
• Investigation into how the body fatigues and recovers

Coursework assignments focus on how your chosen sport is organised and promoted internationally and how training can improve your own personal performance. The practical component is based on participation, coaching, officiating in your chosen sport.

Assessment

Examinations, assignments and practical.