AS and A2 level Physical Education

AS and A2 level Physical Education

The course enables you to explore and research the world of Sport and Physical Education. In addition you will have the opportunity to demonstrate excellence in practical performance or in coaching or in officiating sport.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
For AS you will study:

·Introduction to Concepts in Physical Education
Applied anatomy and physiology
: examining the skeletal and muscular systems, the cardio-vascular and respiratory systems; how these bodily systems are structured and how they respond to exercise. You will develop an understanding of how physiological considerations affect an individual†s health and participation in physical activity.

Acquiring performance and teaching movement skills:
how we learn and practice skills, how to motivate and teach skills within a sporting context.

Contemporary Studies in Sport and PE:
UK Policy on Sport; Sport in Society; cultural and social issues such as drugs misuse and discrimination. You will study sporting structures in the US and Australia and the historical foundation of UK sport. You will investigate the likely impact of the 2012 Olympics in London.

·Acquiring, Developing and Evaluating Movement Skills
You will be assessed in two chosen activities:

The selection and application of developed skills (i.e. practical demonstration of skills): this will be based on your technique in two activities. You may, as an alternative, be assessed on your ability to coach or to officiate your chosen activity (this option will normally be appropriate for those currently coaching/officiating to a good standard).

The evaluation of a live performance: this assessment is undertaken orally and is based on your ability to identify strengths and weaknesses in performance in your chosen activity.

For A2 you will study:

·Principles and Concepts in Physical Education
You will be assessed in three disciplines:

Historical studies in PE and Sport

:
the development of sport from its earliest origins. We also look at the development of Physical Education and Drill in state schools and the role of the Public schools in the development of sport.

or

Comparative Studies: the factors that influence participation and sporting excellence in the UK in comparison to those in Australia and the USA. Studies will consider the cultural context of each nation, school sport, participatory strategies/rates and the provisions for sporting excellence.

Exercise Physiology
: concerned with how the body adjusts and responds to exercise. You will study energy systems, principles of training and the design of training programmes, ways of developing physical fitness and performance.

Psychology of Sport Performance
: you will investigate theories of personality, social behaviour, leadership, anxiety, stress and mental preparation for competition; how mental fitness can lead to improved performance.

or

Biomechanical analysis of human movement

:
you will investigate scientific principles that affect performance, including force, friction, linear motion, projectile motion and angular motion.

·Improvement of Performance
You will be assessed in one chosen activity:

Effective performance in an open environment: such as a game or competitive situation in one activity.

Evaluation of a live performance: this assessment will be completed orally and will require you to evaluate a performer whilst utilising your theory knowledge in an attempt to prescribe methods of improving performance.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
You will experience a wide variety of teaching styles and activities during lessons, for example: playing Aussie Rules Football as an example of cultural differences in games; an investigation into the effect of exercise on the heart rate; working in groups discussing and preparing a presentation on the impact of the 2012 London Olympics on UK sport. You will also be expected to carry out both practical/experimental type work as well as essay writing.

WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH PHYSICAL EDUCATION?
Physical Education combines well with all subjects. Popular combinations include: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology and Business Studies. It also combines well with Leisure Studies and the Community Sports Leaders†Award.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Physical Education is a recognised entry qualification to Higher Education. The course is of particular value for those wishing to pursue a career or degree course in the following areas: sports science or sport studies; leisure studies; sports therapy/physiotherapy; play leadership; recreation management, public services; facilities management; hospitality and, of course, PE teaching.

Requirement
You must have a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above. Of these four you must have English (language), Mathematics and Science. You must also have performed to a reasonable level (e.g. played for a club) in at least one of the activities in which you will be assessed, as your practical skills will be tested extensively. If you are a skilled coach or official then you may be assessed on that basis rather than performance.