A Level Physical Education Tutors

What does A Level Physical Education cover?

This can be a good subject for those with an aptitude for sporting endeavours, as well as a keen eye for human biology, A Level Physical Education can be a springboard to a wide range of university courses and careers.

This course is ideal for students who are passionate about sports and fitness and are looking to work within a sports-related area. Entry requirements will vary across sixth form colleges and exam boards, but those looking to take A Level Physical Education should be expecting to achieve at least a grade 5 at GCSE PE. Competition for places may see higher GCSE grades required.

As with GCSE PE, there is a fair degree of science content within the A Level, with elements of biology including bone structure and muscle groups, as well as physics and psychology.

Due to the academic nature of the course, the A Level could be challenging or those who followed a more vocational path at level 2, with other vocational courses possibly more suitable at level 3.

A Level Physical Education course content

Across all boards, assessment of A Level Physical Education includes written examinations and practical assessment tasks. Whilst individual boards’ specific course content differs, the areas covered are broadly similar.

Physiology

Each board expects candidates to have a deep understanding of the human body, and how it can be optimised for peak performance through physical activity. The various bone structures and muscle groups need to be learned and understood, with specific reference made as to how each can be trained.

Psychological factors pertaining to sporting performance

In studying A Level Physical Education, it is expected that students understand the multitude of psychological factors which come into play when participating in sport. From a winning mentality providing confidence to a team or player, to a tennis player digging deep and pulling themselves back from the brink of defeat to record an unlikely win, these factors and more will be discussed and considered.

Societal factors

Whilst the specific factors covered will vary depending on the board, each awarding body expects candidates to be able to write about factors in society which affect sporting participation and success. These factors could be cultural, technological or relate to any other aspect of life in society.

Non-examined element

As you may expect from A Level Physical Education, there is a requirement for a practical assessment to be taken in order to complete the course. Again, specific requirements may vary here and it’s best to determine which board your prospective sixth form college is offering before you finalise your choices. Generally speaking, this section requires you to take part in either the coaching or participation of a sport, considering the tactics, skills and techniques necessary in order to play successfully.

What do I need to be good at?

An aptitude and passion for sport is one of the most important reasons for choosing A Level Physical Education. Given the science-based content around which much of the course revolves, it is also recommended that students looking to take this subject have performed strongly in Science at GCSE level. Some establishments will require candidates to have passed GCSE science in order to take A Level Physical Education.

Where can it lead?

A Level Physical Education can lead into a wide range of sports-based degree courses, including Sports Science and courses involving education, training and coaching.

If you are looking for some additional support with A Level Physical Education or any of your other courses, The Profs are on hand to provide you with a range of services including mentoring, tutoring and exam technique. Please get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team for more information.