Physical Education

Course title Advanced GCE in Physical Education

Exam board OCR

Subject specific entry criteria Grade 7 in GCSE Physical Education

Course overview Assessment overview

Component 01 – Physiological factors affecting performance

These units include topics such as applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and biomechanics.

Component 02 – Psychological factors affecting performance

This unit includes skill acquisition, sports psychology, sport and society and contemporary issues.

Component 03 – Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport

This component focuses on the sociological and contemporary issues that influence and affect physical activity and sport for both the audience and the performer and how sport affects society.

Component 04 – Performance in physical education

This unit allows students to perform or coach one activity. They are also required to analyse a performance and create a programme to improve performance (EAPI). This is assessed via a verbal response.

Paper 01: Physiological factors affecting performance (30%) – 2 hour paper

Paper 02: Psychological factors affecting performance (20%) – 1 hour paper

Paper 03: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport (20%) – 1 hour paper

Component 04: Performance in physical education (30%). Practical will be marked out of 30 and EAPI will be marked out of 30.

 

Future progression

Typical University offers are AAA, AAB or ABB for Sports Science related degrees depending on the University. Degrees in this area are varied, for example, Leeds Beckett University offers – Physical Activity, Exercise and Health; whereas the University of Birmingham offers Sport, PE & Coaching Science. Many universities also offer a placement year as part of their course e.g. University of Bath. Currently the leading sports universities in the country are, Loughborough and Birmingham Universities who particular cater for students who are looking to combine top level sports performance with a full time sports degree course. Offers vary between universities and often for students who have National Representative Honours, so it is worth checking these before choices are made with the individual universities.

 Potential careers

An A Level in Physical Education is a stepping stone to a career in the sports and leisure industries, Physiotherapy, Sports Medicine, coaching and teaching.

 How to succeed in Physical Education

You will be:

  • Working at Grade 7 or above in GCSE Physical Education. In addition to a proven record of attendance at extra-curricular clubs whilst in KS3 and 4, it is imperative that students are playing/participating in a club/team outside of school in their main sport
  • Prepared to give up time to coach / lead younger student sessions. Sports Leader qualifications will help with this section of the course
  • Prepared to read around the subject; being aware of current issues both nationally and internationally (e.g Impact of Olympic Games in Great Britain, concerns over lack of funding at grass roots level).