What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
It is not a requirement that you have studied Physical Education at GCSE in order to take this course. Several topics covered in the course are developments of work covered at GCSE but others are new. What is more important is that you should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in Physical Education, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively. If you enjoy sporting activities the course will broaden your all round knowledge of Physical Education. At the same time it will develop your understanding of the theory behind the subject in ways you can relate to.

What will I learn on this course?
You will:

• explore the contemporary sociological issues in modern sport
• examine the effects of exercise and the relationships between training and performance
• analyse the way we learn to be skilful
• compare and contrast sport through many differing cultures
• enhance your understanding of the role of technology or psychology in sporting performance
• find ways to improve your own performance in performing, leading and officiating
• develop your knowledge and skills in selected activities.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

• A student who has a high level of understanding in Science, especially Biology.
• Wants to follow a course that develops the theoretical aspects through practical involvement
• Wants to know how the body functions and the effects of exercise
• Wants to evaluate and improve their own sporting performance as a performer, leader or official.
• May want to move onto a related career or higher education course
• Have a keen interest in sport and recreation.

What examination will I have to take to get my qualification?
Students will study two units:

Unit 1
This is divided into two sections:
Section 1

• This will develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. Students will learn how the body responds and adapts to exercise, the components of physical and skill fitness and different methods of fitness training

Section 2

• This section encourages students to develop their knowledge and understanding of how competitive sport has developed over time. They will learn how life long involvement in sport is encouraged. These sections are marked out of 90. Students sit an exam for 1 ½ Hours

Unit 2: The Critical Sports Performer
The aim of this unit is to engage students in 4 tasks.
Task 1

• Personal Performance: This requires students to participate in 2 personal roles from a choice of 3 (performer, leader and official). This task is marked out of 30

Task 2

• Local study: this requires students to undertake independent research into the provision, locally for 1 physical activity in all 3 roles. This task is marked out of 15

Task 3

• National study: This requires students to research national provision, at elite levels, in at least 1 of their chosen roles. This task is marked out of 15

Task 4

• Performance Analysis: Students will be required to submit evidence of their ability to undertake a performance analysis in at least 1 of their chosen roles. This mark is out of 30. This unit is internally assessed.

How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this course?
Students will become increasingly competent by:

• Developing skills and techniques they require to perform effectively in physical activities.
• Develop and applying their skills in different roles, such as, leader and official.
• Developing their knowledge and understanding of factors that enable them and others to be physically active
• Develop a healthy lifestyle
• Developing their knowledge and understanding of the body and mind in ensuring effective and efficient performance in their own and other’s roles such as performer, leader and official.
• Develop and understand how they and others make the most of opportunities and pathways available to be involved in physical activities

What could I go on to do at the end of this course?
Students with A/S Physical Education have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. You will learn a variety of transferable skills throughout the course. These skills include collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating your findings in different ways. These skills are in great demand and are recognised by employer’s universities as being of great value. Physical Education combines with a range of A/S subjects. It supports applications for a wide range of university courses, like Sports Science, Physiotherapy, and Recreation and there are many new and exciting courses related to sport throughout higher education.