Exam Board: OCR    Duration: 2 years    Entry Requirements: Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics, Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and Grade 6 in GCSE PE. One sport played at club level standard.

Reasons to study Physical Education A Level

A Level Physical Education is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary subject that explores a broad range of topics related to sport and physical activity. In addition to studying Anatomy and Physiology, students will delve into sports psychology, the history of sport, and contemporary issues shaping the sporting world.

This course provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights into the science and practice of sports performance. Beyond the theoretical learning, you’ll also have the chance to perform or coach a sport as part of the non-exam assessment, further enhancing your understanding of the mechanics and motivations behind physical activity.

By completing this course, you’ll be well-prepared for further study in a sports-related degree or to embark on an apprenticeship within the sport and leisure industry.

Course Outline

The A Level PE course has 4 discrete units to be studied over the two years.

Physiological factors affecting performance
This component focusses on developing your knowledge of the science behind physical activity. This includes the structure and function of key systems in the human body, the forces that act upon us and the adaptations we make to our bodies through diet and training regimes

Psychological factors affecting performance:
This component focusses on the psychological factors affecting physical activities and sports.

This includes models and theories that affect learning and performance in physical activities, how different methods of training and feedback work and why their effectiveness differs from person to person. It also includes psychological factors affecting group dynamics and the effects of leadership and stress on performers.

Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport:
This component focusses 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.

Performance in physical education:

Practical Performances – Performance or coaching of one activity is taken from the approved list.

Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement – Here you will analyse and evaluate a peer’s performance. The activity which is analysed and evaluated must be taken from the approved list.

Assessment Outline

Component 1

Written paper (2hrs). This paper is worth 30% of the A Level

Component 2

Written paper (1hrs). This paper is worth 20% of the A Level

Component 3

Written paper (1hrs). This paper is worth 20% of the A Level

Component 4

Non-examined assessment worth 30% of the A Level. Students are required to perform one physical activity from the recognised list of sports and deliver an oral presentation on another student’s performance.

Progression Routes and Career Paths

  • Personal Trainer
  • Sports Coach
  • PE Teacher
  • Sports Therapist
  • Fitness Centre Manager
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Event Coordinator
  • Sports Nutritionist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Recreation Officer
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Health Club Manager
  • Community Sports Coach
  • Sports Journalist

The Romero’s PE Department

PE at Romero’s has an exceptional track record of results at GCSE, among the strongest in the country.

Lessons are engaging and exciting and challenge students physically and cognitively.

Staff are experienced and specialists within their field relating directly to the areas of study.

A variety of in-house and community-based performance opportunities

Develop leadership skills through the role of Sports Ambassadors and lead on sports team for lower school students.

Further Information

For more information or if you have any questions about the A Level Physical Education course please contact:

Mr L Durr – Subject Leader for Physical Education [email protected]