Physical Education

A Level Physical Education

Studying A Level Physical Education provides a fantastic insight into the world of sport. This course explores the scientific, psychological and social principles of Physical Education. You will also begin to see the world of sport in ways you have never considered, which will help your own development when performing.

Why St Mary’s

Enjoy access to exceptional specialist teaching support, as well as brand new state-of-the-art sporting facilities at Long Road and St Mary's Boathouse on the River Cam as you study the scientific, psychological and social principles of Physical Education.

This course will enable you to improve your own sporting performance, or to gain the knowledge and skills you need to support others.

Our enriched learning opportunities include:

  • Joining a St Mary's Rowing Squad
  • Support to progress rowing skills to high performance level
  • Access to exceptional Long Road facilities
  • Connections with Loughborough, Bath and Bedfordshire Universities
  • Leadership opportunities in sport

Course overview

Physical Education A Level covers four core components:

  • Scientific principles of Physical Education
  • Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education
  • Practical Performance
  • Performance Analysis and Performance Development Programme

The course develops a holistic understanding of sport, through both performance development and academic challenge. The content of the course is applicable to real-world contexts, enabling you to put theoretical knowledge into practice through the practical assessments.

Assessment

This A Level combines both examination and practical assessments:

  • Scientific principles of Physical Education - Written examination (40% of total marks)
  • Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education - Written examination (30% of total marks)
  • Practical Performance - Non-examined, internally assessed and externally moderated (15% of the mark)
  • Performance Analysis and Performance Development Programme - Non-examined, internally assessed and externally moderated (15% of the mark)
At a glance
  • Edexcel syllabus
  • Physical, technical and tactical components
  • Performance development programme
  • State-of-the-art sports facilities
  • Rowing programme
  • 70% examination
  • 30% non-examined assessment

Entry requirements

GCSE grades (or equivalent)

  • Subject 1: English Language: 6+ (CEFR B2.2)
  • Subject 2: Biology: 6+
You will enjoy this course if you...
  • Want to develop your skills and techniques
  • Want to explore scientific, psychological and social aspects of sport
  • Are a keen sportsperson

What our teachers say...

Teaching physical education has always been my dream job. I love to help students explore every aspect of sport and see them learn how it can help and affect their own performances. Learning the theory behind performing, organising and officiating sport can give students a greater insight into different aspects of the subject and sports that they love and enjoy doing.

"A champion is not defined by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fail." Serena Williams

Studying GCSE (Short Course) and A Level Physical Education opens up a path towards healthy living and personal achievement.

Not only does it help improve personal performance, it also introduces and develops the knowledge and skills needed to lead others in developing their own passion for sport.

Studying Physical Education in more depth, allows you to explore other avenues of sport. Sport and physical education are global entities and studying this subject at GCSE or A Level can open opportunities to careers in a variety of areas.

The world of sport consists of performers, coaches, teacher, physios, nutritionists, development officers and officials to name but a few careers paths that this subject opens up.

Degrees that can be studied at university include, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Physical Education, Sport Management, Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education, Health and Exercise Science and Sport Development and Management.

Future careers include professional sportsperson, sports coach/consultant, education, physiotherapist, sports policy at a local and national level, diet and fitness instructor, and personal trainer.

Leaver destinations

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Our results

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