Physical Education

To study this subject, it is essential you have a good scientific background, having achieved a grade 6 at GCSE. Studying PE at GCSE is an advantage. It is vital that you are regularly involved in at least one sporting activity at, county or regional level; this can be as a performer, coach or official. You must be training regularly in your sport and be able to provide evidence of the core skills and abilities to a sufficient standard as defined by the specification.

What will you study and learn?

There are four units in the whole course, two in Year 12 and two in Year 13. One unit is practically based. You will study:

• Analysis of Performance and complete an oral presentation on your own or another student’s performance.
• Psychology of Sport: You will learn to appreciate how we are motivated to take part in sport. What gives us the will to win? Why do some sports players crumble under pressure whilst others become ‘psyched-up’?
• Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics:

By studying the body, you will learn how it works and how it can be trained to operate efficiently and effectively in sporting activities.

• Comparative studies in sport and culture: Here you will study the development of Physical Education in the UK, the USA and Australia in order to understand how different cultures have influenced the way in which various sports and activities have been adopted and organised by each country.

Course content and examinations

Examination board: OCR Year 12 Units:

UNIT 1: An introduction to Physical Education (60% of the total grade)

This Unit is divided into three sections:

• Section A: Anatomy and Physiology. Students will gain an understanding of how the body and its various systems influence performance in different physical
• Section B: Acquiring movement

In this section students will develop an insight into how we learn particular physical skills and the influence that different practice methods have on our performance.

• Section C: Socio-cultural studies relating to participation in physical activity. Here, students will learn about different types of physical activity which have developed and their benefits to both the individual and society. Students will also look at past and present influences on participation in physical activity e.g. the Olympic Games Movement, sponsorship and the media.

UNIT 2: Acquiring, developing and evaluating practical skills in physical education as a performer, and/or in an adopted role. (40% of the total grade)

The Unit is divided into two sections:

• Section A will involve a practical assessment in one activity – please note this can be as a performer, coach or official
• Section B involves the observation of a live performance by another candidate in one of their own assessed performance activities. They must then critically evaluate the skills shown and consider the factors that make for an effective and efficient performance. Knowledge of the health and fitness benefits of the activity should also be explained.

Year 13 Units:

UNIT 3: Principles and concepts across different areas of Physical Education

This unit is divided into two sections:

• Section A: Historical studies and Comparative studies.
• Section B: Sports Psychology, Biomechanics and Exercise and Sport

Candidates will have the choice of studying three of the five possible options with at least one from Section A.

UNIT 4: The improvement of effective performance and the critical evaluation of practical activities in Physical Education

Candidates will select one practical activity to be assessed in as a performer, coach or official. In addition, candidates will observe a live performance and analyse the quality of performance with a view to improving it using particular strategies and action plans.

The course is assessed by examination: 1 written paper x 2 hours. There will also be an assessment in one practical which will be externally moderated.

Where could the subject take you?

A-level Physical Education is a versatile and exciting qualification. Previous students have gone on to study physiotherapy, teaching, sports management, sports science and outdoor education at university. Career paths could also include nursing, midwifery, paramedic, nutritionist, sports psychologist and sportswear design.