Sixth Form Subject Guide 2019-2021 REDRAFTED Sixth Form Choices Guide | Page 32
A Level Physical Education (OCR)
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Mr S Adams ([email protected])
Entry Requirements Minimum grade B in GCSE PE, GCSE Biology or 6:6 in Double Science, and the potential to play
at 1 st team level in at least one sport.
Where next? Obviously physical education provides a natural progression onto one of the many sports-related
degree courses. However, the real benefit is that it enables you to grasp a wide range of skills-
from scientific research through to public speaking. It helps develop an organised well rounded
student who can cope with the demands of university life. This wide variety of skill will stand you
in good stead for most university courses.
The same applies to the workplace. Sport is now such a huge industry that there are endless
employment opportunities. A few examples include: coaching, teaching, health, leisure and
fitness, sports technology development, sports administration, sports management and media.
It is also valuable for medically-related professions such as nursing and physiotherapy.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The course is extremely diverse, it allows you to explore and enhance your own sporting ability, but also bridges the
academic divide between the arts and sciences. Experience has shown that physical education can be combined with a
wide range of other subjects.
The course is a natural extension from the GCSE with many similarities in the theoretical components covered. It has a
good balance of practical and theory lessons with a slight emphasis on the theory. However, those students with a keen
interest in sport will be able to relate their practical experiences to the theoretical concepts. More specifically, the theory
is based on modular units incorporating:
Anatomy and Exercise Physiology
Sport and Technology
Acquisition of Skill
Sport and Society
Contemporary Studies
Psychology of Sport
Biomechanics
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
The A-Level is examined at the end of the two years of study with three theory papers. The A-Level carries a 70%:30%
theory to practical weighting. The A-Level assesses the candidate in just one physical activity over the duration of the
course as opposed to three at GCSE PE level.
From the practical perspective you would be expected to be representing the school at 1st team level in at least one sport
and if you were competing at a higher representative level this would be very advantageous.
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