Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: AQA

Entry Requirements: Grade 5 or above in GCSE Physical Education Theory Exam Paper or Grade 5 or above in GCSE Biology if not completed GCSE PE.

Watch our video about a-level p.e.

A long track record of sporting achievement

If you are passionate about PE then our department is the place to be! We have seen numerous students go on to lead highly successful careers both on and off the field. Last year, 100% of our students achieved C or above and 40% achieved A-A*, following on from consistent success in previous years. Our outstanding teaching and learning has ensured that students learn in a challenging, productive, disciplined, safe and enjoyable working environment.

The course

Physical Education is studied over two years and made up of three units. In each year students study 10 hours over two weeks: nine theory lessons and one practical/analysis lesson.

• Unit 1: exam paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
• Unit 2: exam paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
• Unit 3: non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport. Requirement to be a competent performer of one sport from the specification.

Units 1 and 2 are assessed through 2 x two-hour, written examinations at the end of Year 13.

Unit 3 involves students collecting video evidence of themselves performing in one practical sport in a full competitive context. Evidence needs to be collected in accordance with the practical specification over the course of the two years and will need to be submitted at the latest by March of Year 13. Students will also have to complete a piece of coursework as part of this unit.

Beyond the classroom

The PE department is extremely busy, running numerous extracurricular clubs and teams. There are ample opportunities to help with these and other events, e.g. school sports day.

Progression

Our PE department has grown numerous national champions in a wide range of sports – the most famous probably being Michael Vaughan, the former England cricket captain. More recently Cameron Dawson and George Long went on to become goalkeepers for Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United respectively. Others have gone on to become leading lights in diving, basketball, badminton, dancing, water polo, golf, tennis and racketball.

A-level PE can help you access a variety of sports related higher education courses and careers, such as: psychologist, journalist, photographer, administrator, coach, leisure management, teaching, physiotherapy, fitness instructor.