Physical Education – Edexcel – AS 8PE01
Physical Education – Edexcel – A2 9PE01
Course Outline
Physical Education at this level encompasses many disciplines and covers a variety of physiological
and sociological areas. This course aims to broaden and deepen your knowledge applying
theoretical concepts to practical situations. The course content is broad and covers a variety of
areas which include the cardio-respiratory systems, skeletal / muscular analysis and historical
influences on sport today.
Course Details
AS - Physical Education
A2 – Physical Education
Unit 1:
Unit 3:
Participation in Sport and Recreation
Preparation for Optimum Sports
A written 1½ hour external examination. The
Performance
paper will consist of short answer and extended A written 2 hour external examination. The
writing type questions.
paper will consist of short answer and extended
(50% of AS, 25% of A2 Level)
writing type questions.
(25% of total A Level)
Unit 2:
The Critical Sports Performer
This unit is internally assessed through a
portfolio of evidence. Four tasks are completed
that involve practical, research and analysis
elements.
(50% of AS, 25% of A2 Level)
Unit 4:
The Developing Sports Performer
This unit is internally assessed through a
portfolio of evidence. Four tasks are completed
that involve practical, research and analysis
elements.
(25% of total A Level)
Assessment Criteria
The specification followed is that of Edexcel. The assessment is split, with 50% being attained from
an end of year external examination and the remaining 50% being derived from coursework and
practical tasks. This structure of assessment is applied to both the AS and A2 courses.
Course requirements and progression
To follow the Physical Education course within the Sixth Form students must have completed the
GCSE Physical Education course (or equivalent) and achieved a minimum of a Grade B overall,
with at least a C grade on the theory paper. Students that have a keen interest in sport and
how theoretical aspects relate to practical involvement would find the course appealing.
Physical Education combines with many AS and A Level GCE subjects. It supports applications for a
wide range of university courses like Sports Sciences, Physiotherapy, Recreation and Leisure
Studies, Physical Education teaching and performance analysis. Students may choose to use their
qualification to go straight into employment; the Key Skills learnt through the course can lead to a
wide variety of employment opportunities such areas as Recreational Management, Leisure
activities, the Armed Forces and the Civil Service.