Courses

Physical Education

Course Description

Are you fascinated by the human body? Have you ever wondered why some people can run faster than others? How drugs enhance performance in sport? What gives Olympic champions the psychological edge over their competitors? How technology can advance sports performance? Then A Level Physical Education (PE) is for you.

Entry Requirements

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5.

Features of the Course

The PE course is focused on relating theory to sport and its impact on performance and you will study the following units:

Year 1
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Skill Acquisition
Sport and Society

Year 2
Exercise Physiology
Biomechanics
Sports Psychology
Sport and Society
Technology in Sport

Assessment

These topics are assessed through two written exams at the end of the second year. Written exam accounts for 70% of your final grade. The practical element of the course accounts for 15% of your final grade and you are assessed as a player or coach in a full sided, competitive version of your chosen sport. The final 15% is assessed through written/verbal analysis and evaluation of your performance in your chosen sport.

Exam Board: AQA

Enrichment and Work Experience

Students are required to complete a one-week work experience placement. Work experience is a vital part of a young person’s learning experience. It supports the academic skills you develop during your time at The Sixth Form and allows you to acquire skills that cannot be taught in the classroom. Responsibility for obtaining this placement lies ultimately with you as the student, although there is a vast amount of support and guidance available to assist you through the work experience officer, careers guidance team, curriculum teachers and your personal tutor.

You will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sports related enrichment and we encourage our students to do so. These include: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, first aid, Voluntary Service Award, cricket, football, basketball, rugby, netball, and athletics.

Additional Information

To study A Level PE, you must play sport at a competitive level in order to be assessed on the practical element. You should be playing regularly for a team inside or outside of The Sixth Form.

As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to undertake the Level 2 Gym Instructor course through a local company called 88 Fitness Education & Training. We are able to offer this at a significantly reduced cost. The course is aimed at those wishing to pursue a career within the health and fitness industry, equipping you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work with gym users and help them to reach their health and fitness goals. The qualification is nationally accredited and recognised throughout the UK and overseas.

Links With Other Subjects

PE links in well with a number of other subjects including: Biology, Physics, Business, Psychology, and Sociology.

Future Career Opportunities

A Level PE is an excellent base for a university degree in physiotherapy, sports science, sports management, healthcare or exercise and health as well as complementing further study in biology, psychology, nutrition and many more. This course opens up a range of career opportunities including physiotherapy, sports science, sports coaching, personal training or teaching.

Why study at The Sixth Form Bolton?

If you enjoy taking part in sport and have an interest in all aspects surrounding and supporting sport and performance, then this is the course for you. You will enhance your knowledge of sport and the wider issues surrounding it including the science of movement, current issues in sport, the workings of the mind and how sport has developed through time. Alongside this, you will also develop your practical ability in your chosen sport.