AS/A2 Sport and Physical Education

AS/A2 Sport and Physical Education

Why study Physical Education?
Physical Education AS/A2 Level covers a wide subject area, but with a focus on the performer and the performance. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of how different factors combine together to influence performance. You will also develop an understanding of how performance can be improved through practice, training and by analysis and evaluation. Delivery of the course will be predominantly classroom based but also makes use of the Colleges excellent sporting facilities Sports Hall, swimming pool, astroturf, tennis courts etc. The vast majority of the practical component is covered through one practical lesson per week as well as through attendance at extra curricular clubs or through the College Leisure Club Programme.

AS Unit 1 PHED 1
Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. 60% of AS 30% of A2 2 hour written examination. Section A six structured questions. Section B application of theoretical knowledge to a practical situation.

AS Unit 2 PHED 2
Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as a performer and/or in an adopted role. 40% of AS 20% of A2 Internal assessment with external moderation. Candidates perform, analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in isolation and in structured practice as either a player/performer and in an adopted role or two adopted roles. Choose 2 or 3: Performer Coach/Leader Official/referee/umpire/judge

A2 Unit 3 PHED 3 Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport. 30% of A Level 2 hour examination. Section A How exercise physiology can optimise performance. Section B How application of psychological knowledge can optimise performance. Section C Contemporary influences in sport and their impact on the performer.

A2 Unit 4 PHED 4
Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation. 20% of A Level Internal assessment with external moderation. Candidates perform, analyse and evaluate their own performance, identify weaknesses and suggest causes and appropriate corrective measures. As a performer/coach/leader, or official/referee/judge.

Does Physical Education link particularly well with other subjects?
Physical Education is multi-disciplinary i.e. it includes study of a variety of subjects. The closest links to the subject are in Psychology and Human Biology, although there is also a link to Sociology, Chemistry, Physics and History. N.B. Students who study Dance may use it as their practical option for PE.

Where might it lead me?
As an AS/A2 Level course, Physical Education can be used for university entrance on to many courses. Most of the students who study the subject follow a sports related career path. This has included sports related journalism, footwear design, PE teaching, Sports Science, working with elite athletes, Sports Marketing, Leisure management, sports coaching, sports related law etc. It is important to combine Physical Education with a Science at A Level if you wish to take a scientific option e.g. Sports Science. The course will give you the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills in communication, working with others, problem solving and improving your own performance; these are valuable skills whatever you decide to do in the future. Studying Physical Education will allow you to learn more about the sports performers we all love to watch, why they are so talented and how others can aspire to such levels of performance.