A-level PE

What you will learn

1. Unit 1: Applied anatomy and physiology

   In this topic, you will understand the anatomical/structural and physiological/functional roles performed in the identified systems of the body. You will understand how the controlled stress of exercise will affect the systems and how the effect is measured. The topic will cover how different stresses/types of exercise will bring
   about both acute responses and chronic adaptations. The principles of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion – force, centre of mass and stability – will also be covered and are essential to a student’s understanding of how sporting technique and performance can be improved. You will understand energy concepts and how they relate to physical activity and sport.

2. Unit 2: Exercise physiology and applied movement analysis

   In this unit, you will understand the importance of diet and nutrition pre-, during and post-physical activity. You will also study fatigue and recovery, which will build on your knowledge of energy systems in Topic 1: Applied Anatomy and Physiology. You will gain an understanding of how to apply knowledge of energy systems and
   how to train, maintain and improve your performance. This includes an understanding of fitness components, methods of training and physiological adaptations. You will also understand how to prevent and rehabilitate from injury. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of movement analysis through examples to include linear motion, angular motion, projectile motion and fluid mechanics.

3. Unit 3: Skill acquisition

   In this unit you are required to show an understanding of the nature and development of skills in sport. This understanding could be enhanced and developed through applied practical experiences in the role of either coach and/or performer. You should have an awareness of the relevant learning theories and how they relate to skill development. At A Level, you will develop a detailed appreciation of the role of memory systems in the acquisition of skills. You can relate knowledge of practices, feedback and guidance to practical performance situations. You will be able to understand how quantitative data can be generated in appropriate areas of skill acquisition and be able to produce and evaluate the meaning of such data.

4. Unit 4: Sport psychology

   You will understand the role of sports psychology in facilitating optimal sporting performance of an individual athlete, sports teams and individuals in the teams. You will understand the different psychological views, theories and perspectives, as indicated in the specification, and be able to apply this understanding by way of explanation to behaviours that ultimately affect sporting performance. Central to this topic will be the ongoing debate offering explanations between either nature or nurture or the interaction of both. You will look at the theories and then apply the different interpretations of each to the different situations and scenarios identified. You will be able to demonstrate both support for and challenge to a given theory or perspective and provide sporting examples to support this view.

5. Unit 5: Sport and society

   You will understand the dynamic relationship between sport and society. You will understand the parallels between societal changes and sport and will utilise this knowledge and understanding to consider historical and contemporary events and trends and potential future developments. You will understand how, as society developed and became increasingly commercial and political, these phenomena were reflected in sports. You will understand the context of varying ethics, and pressures on performers to cheat and consider a range of factors that influence deviance and the response of national and international organisations. You will understand the relationship between media and sport and the role of social media.

Awarding Body

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

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Endorsed by

This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.

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Course Outcome

Exam Paper 1: 2 hours 30 mins, 40% of A-level, 140 marks

• Section 1 will focus on applied anatomy and physiology
• Section 2 concentrates on exercise physiology and applied movement analysis

Exam Paper 2: 2 hours, 30% of A-level, 100 marks

• Questions will focus on psychological and social principles of physical education

NEA 1 (Non-exam assessment): 15% of A-level, 40 marks

• This is the new name for coursework and is not done under exam conditions. You’ll be expected to write about skills performed in one physical activity as a player/performer OR skills performed in one physical activity as a coach.

NEA 2 (Non-exam assessment): 15% of A-level, 40 marks

• This is the new name for coursework and is not done under exam conditions. You’ll consider, in the role of player/performer or coach, two components of a physical activity (one physiological component and either a tactical or technical component).

These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions

Entry requirements

A GCSE or equivalent in English language is recommended, but not required for this course. This A-level PE syllabus is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, which is usually suitable for most learners of all ages.

Progression

Studying A-level Physical Education can open up various career opportunities, such as sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, personal training, or becoming part of the next generation of PE teachers. Additionally, students can progress to an undergraduate degree in a sports-related field or enrol in specialised sports coaching courses.