Why study this course?

A Level PE gives you the chance to combine academic learning with a passion for sport, fitness, and human performance. It explores how the body and mind work in high-performance environments and offers practical opportunities to apply your knowledge both on and off the field.

You will study the science behind movement, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics,
and psychology. You will also develop an understanding of the social and contemporary issues that shape modern sport. This blend of theory and practice helps you become a more effective athlete, coach or leader within sport and physical activity. 

A Level PE builds valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership and managing performance under pressure. It is a strong foundation for a wide range of university courses and careers, including sport science, physiotherapy, coaching, teaching, personal training, sports journalism and performance analysis.

If you are motivated, active and interested in what drives sporting success, A Level PE provides an exciting pathway to develop your passion into future opportunities.

What will I study: 

The course covers a wide range of topics from the world of sport. From human anatomy and physiology and how physical activity and training can improve human performance, how the psychological aspects of sport can be vital for sporting success to the origins of sport in the UK and social factors affecting participation on success today.

• Theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport, and use this knowledge to improve performance.
• Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance.
• Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity and sport.
• Understand the role of technology in physical 
• activity and sport.
• Refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas.
• Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance.
• Understand the contribution that physical activity makes to health and fitness.
• Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.

How will I be Assessed?

• Anatomy, physiology and biomechanics exam – 2 hours (30%)
• Skill acquisition and sports psychology exam – 1hr (20%)
• Sport and society and contemporary issues exam – 1hr (20%)
• EAPI, an evaluation task where students have to watch a performance in their sport, identify strengths and weaknesses in the performance and verbally produce an 8-12 week development plan linking to the theoretical content of the course on how the performer can improve. (15%)
• Practical performance or coaching in one chosen sport (15%)

Where can this subject lead?

• Higher Education in courses such as Sports Science, Physical Education, Sports Coaching, Physiotherapy, Sports Management and others.

Employment in the sports industry:

• Coaching
• Gym Instructing
• Sports massage
• Dietician
• Teaching
• Physiotherapy

• Involvement in sports clubs via apprenticeships and voluntary work experience

Associated Courses

A Level PE can be combined with a range of other A Level courses. Common subject areas that match well are biology, mathematics, physics, psychology and sociology

COURSE MATERIALS