A Level - Physical Education

Course Information

What Does the Course Involve?

The course involves studying three broad theoretical disciplines; physiology, sport psychology and sports sociology. Across these disciplines, students will learn how the body responds and adapts to regular training and performance, how our unique psychological characteristics influence our sporting performance and how the values of the societies we live in will impact the opportunities we have to participate in sport, exercise and physical activity.

To be successful on this course, it is vital that applicants are competing or coaching regularly in at least one approved sport (see summary of approved sports below) throughout the duration of the course. A small amount of video evidence of each applicant's performance in either role will need to be seen in  advance of your interview.

Entry requirements

Students will need to achieve at least 6 GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including GCSE Maths and English Language. In addition for successful entry onto this course we would expect a grade 6 or above in GCSE PE (if taken), and grade 6 or above in GCSE Science (a grade 6 or higher in Biology as part of a triple science grade is most beneficial).

Finally, students will need to be judged to be a competent performer in at least one approved sport.

Can I Take Additional Qualifications?

Yes, this qualification is commonly combined with two other A Levels or equivalent (BTEC National Extended Certificate) courses. However, we would not recommend combining this course with any other Sport or Sport and Exercise Science course.

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will be assessed via a combination of written exams and non-examined assessment (NEA). At the end of year 13, you will sit two exam papers each two hours long, with a total of 105 marks available on each paper. The exams consist of a combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. 70% of your final grade will be calculated based on your performance in these two examinations.

The NEA (coursework) component of the course makes up the remaining 30% of your final grade, with a total of 90 marks available. 45 marks are available via assessment as a performer or coach in one of AQA’s approved sports. The remaining 45 marks are awarded based upon the strength of a detailed analysis of performance which can be submitted in writing, verbally or as a combination of both written and verbal evidence. All NEA marks are internally assessed and externally moderated.

What are the Costs?

There are no set costs for the course, but students will be expected to attend a number of trips and visits to enrich their experience whilst on the course which may incur some costs. Details of these will be made available as early as possible, in an attempt to ensure that any cost incurred can be spread over a period of time. 

A Level PE - Course Information Sheet

What is the UCAS Points Tariff for this Course?

The maximum number of UCAS points for this course is 56, the table below shows the points associated with each grade.