Studying Physical Education A Level at Esher Sixth Form College

Have you ever wondered why some people can run faster than others? Or how your personality affects your performance? Or even how you could become an elite sports performer?

Through a Physical Education A Level, you could find the answers to these questions. The main focus of the subject is on participation and performance in physical activity and sport. The subject involves an academic study of physical activity and its practical performance. The A Level PE course is the ideal platform to start building the foundations to a career in the sports industry e.g. Sport Scientist, Sports Psychologist, Sports Coaching and Sports Development.

In addition to the College Entry Requirements, to qualify for this course you will also need to achieve a minimum of:

Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
Grade 5-4 in GCSE Combined Science (Double Award), or Grade 5 or above in GCSE Biology
If GCSE Physical Education is taken, a minimum of Grade 5 is required

Students need to play a sport competitively outside of college to qualify.

During the first year you will study;

The applied anatomical and physiological factors that underpin performance;
How we acquire and develop skills;
The role of sport in society throughout history;
How exercise physiology can be used to improve performance .

In the second year you will learn;

Contemporary issues in sport, such as doping;
The role of sport psychology in athlete development
How biomechanics can enhance technique whilst reducing the risk of injury.

Throughout the two years you must be regularly participating in one competitive practical activity, in which you will be assessed. In addition, you must understand how to analyse and improve performance in one sport in order to complete an extended interview.

Assessment in the theoretical unit is through three written exam papers which make up 70% of the qualification. The non-examined unit (30%) includes a practical performance assessment (worth 15%) and an extended interview (worth 15%) which make up the qualification. This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Physical Education can be combined with any A Level. Biology is a good choice, as is Psychology, as both subjects underpin knowledge that you will gain in PE.

What extra support/enrichment activities are on offer?
The College has sports fixtures in Football, Rugby Union, Basketball, Hockey and Netball. If students play these sports they are encouraged to try to get into a team by attending trials. The College offers courses in Sports Leaders Award and a Higher Sports Leaders Award, which are excellent introductions to coaching.

We also run our Roll of Sporting Excellence (ROSE) programme, which recognises, supports and celebrates the sporting talents and successes of our students who compete at county, regional, national or international level. Once accepted on this programme, students will have the opportunity to meet a range of sporting professionals and experts from King’s College and participate in a series of workshops, to help them develop as a professional athletes.

What is the difference between the PE A Level and the Sports Coaching and Development BTEC?
The main difference is that PE A Level is assessed through exams and some practical performance whereas the BTEC is completely assessed through coursework units. The Sports Coaching and Development BTEC can be studied as a single certificate course (equivalent to one A Level) or as a diploma (equivalent to two A Levels). For more information visit Sports Coaching and Development BTEC course information.

What skills will I need and develop on PE A Level?
You will need to develop an ability to acquire knowledge from a range of theoretical areas and apply this to practical sporting situations. Additionally, you will be expected to write in depth about the theoretical components through extended writing tasks.

You must develop your range and quality of skills and tactics in one chosen sport through regular competitive participation. You also need to improve the physical attributes required for effective performance in your activity. Additionally, you will be expected to acquire the analytical skills needed to evaluate performance in your chosen sport while understanding how a coach can improve performance.

What kit will I need?
You will be told when you will be taking part in practical lessons and to bring appropriate sports clothing.

Physical Education A Level is a highly respected qualification, with 90% of our students progressing onto university.

Here are some typical university destinations that our PE A Level students go on to. Click on a destination to see some examples of courses they have taken;