Sixth Form Course Guide 2013-14 - The Purbeck School

Physical Education
Physical Education suits students who have a passion for sport; students who will enjoy a fast paced and diverse
course that covers many subject areas – yet is always underpinned by the student's application to sport.
Students who have taken PE have combined it with a wide array of other subjects from Art through to Physics. Some
are keen to study the subject further at University, whilst many take the subject because they realise it is important
to study something you enjoy.
Summary of course content
AS Theory: An introduction to Physical Education
Anatomy and Physiology; The skeletal and muscular systems,
motion and movement, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
in relation to the performance of physical activity.
Acquiring Movement Skills; Classification of motor skills and
abilities, the development of motor skills, Information processing,
Motor control of skills in physical activity, Learning skills in physical
activity.
Socio-Cultural Studies relating to participation in physical activity;
What is Physical activity? Sport and culture, Contemporary sporting
issues such as Performance enhancing drugs.
AS Practical: Acquiring, developing and evaluating practical skills in
Physical Education;
Assessed Practical Performance in two activities, Evaluating and
planning for the improvement of performance.
A2 Theory: Principles and concepts across different areas
of Physical Education
Comparative Studies; The United Kingdom (UK) ,The
United States of America (USA),Australia.
Sports Psychology; Individual aspects of performance,
Group dynamics of performance and audience effects,
Mental preparation for physical activity.
Exercise and Sport Physiology; Energy, Health
components of physical fitness, Application of the
principles of training, Performance enhancement.
A2 Practical: The Improvement of effective performance
and the critical evaluation of practical activities in
Physical Education
Performance in one activity, Evaluation, appreciation and
the improvement of performance.
AS Level is assessed through a 2 hour theoretical exam worth 60% of the total. AS marks together with a practical
exam worth 40% of the total AS marks. A2 Level is assessed through a 2.5 hour theoretical exam worth 35% of the
total A Level marks and a practical exam worth 15% of the total A Level marks.
Where the course leads
Studying PE at A Level can be a useful 'stepping stone' towards a variety of career options in the sporting sector. This
could be in the leisure industry, teaching, physiotherapy, coaching, sports psychology, sports journalism and sports
medicine, to name but a few.
However, due to its diversity and well respected theoretical foundations, there are many different career paths that
the course can lead on to - not just sport related!
The real benefit of the PE A level is that it enables students to grasp a wide range of skills – from scientific research
through to debate. It also develops an organised, well rounded student that can cope with the demands of
University life. This wide variety of skill sets will stand you in good stead for most University courses.
Entry requirements; Students should be eligible to follow the Route A Pathway with a least 1 grade B in Science. It is
also advantageous to compete in at least one sport at a high standard.
For further advice contact: Mr Hunt