Physical Education
A and AS Level
The candidates should have a wide interest in sport in general
and be in good health.
This AS/A level is rapidly becoming an essential qualification
for higher specialist study in both PE and sports studies. It is
also an excellent foundation for many careers in the leisure or
health and fitness industry.
The theory side of the course includes areas such as
biomechanics, applied anatomy and physiology, psychology of sport
and contemporary and comparative studies in PE and sport.
The practical side consists of choosing two activities from:
athletics, judo, dance, invasion games, net/wall games,
striking/fielding games, target games, gymnastics, outdoor
activities, swimming.
Normally, one double lesson a week will be a practical session
and in three doubles a week the theory side will be covered. There
will normally be three written pieces of work set each week
following the theory lessons.
For AS - 60% is theory work and 40% practical.
For A level the assessment is in the same ratio and is added on to
the previous AS result.
GCSE Level
The GCSE is an ideal course for students who have a high level
of practical ability in Physical Education and Games.
GCSE Physical Education comprises of 40% theory and 60%
practical.
The theory element of the examination is one paper, which is two
hours in duration. The paper is made up of three units: Factors
Affecting Performance, Health and Safety and Training, Reasons and
Opportunities for Participation in Physical Activity.
The practical element is made up of six categories: Games,
Gymnastics, Dance, Athletic Activities, Outdoor and Adventurous
Activities and Swimming.
The candidate must choose four activities from at least three
different categories. In assessing practical activities, the
following objectives are assessed:
Planning, Performing and Evaluating - accounting for 50% of the
final total grade.
Analysing and Improving - accounting for 10% of the final total
grade.
Grades available are A* - G and there is no tiering.