Course Title Advanced GCE in Physical Education

Examination Board OCR 

Subject Code A Level Award H555

Course Content

The A Level is made up of four units: 

Component 01: Physiological factors affecting performance (30%)

Component 02: Psychological factors affecting performance (20%)

Component 03: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport (20%)

Component 04: Performance in physical education (30%)

Component 01 & 02 

These units include topics such as applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition, sports psychology, sport and society and contemporary issues.

Component 03 

This component focuses on the sociological and contemporary issues that influence and affect physical activity and sport for both the audience and the performer and how sport affects society.

Component 04 

This unit allows students to perform or coach one activity. They are also required to analyse a performance and create a programme to improve performance (EAPI). This is assessed via a verbal response.

Future Progression 

An A Level in Physical Education is a stepping stone to a career in the sports and leisure industries, Physiotherapy, Sports Medicine, coaching and teaching.

Typical offers are AAA or AAB for Sports Science degrees with a variety of different subjects: for example The University of Birmingham offer – Sports Science with Mathematics or Sports Medicine; whereas the University of Exeter expect AAA or ABB for their Sports Science course. Currently the leading sports universities in the country are Leeds, Loughborough and Bath. These cater for students who are looking to combine top level sports performance with a full time sports degree course. Offers vary and it is worth checking these before choices are made with the individual universities.

To succeed in Physical Education

You will be:

•  Working at Grade 7 or above in GCSE Physical Education. In addition to a proven record of attendance at extra-curricular clubs whilst in KS3 and 4, it is imperative that students are playing/participating in a club/team outside of school in their main sport
•  Prepared to give up time to coach / lead younger student sessions. Sports Leaders qualifications will help with this section of the course
• Prepared to read around the subject; being aware of current issues both nationally and internationally (e.g Impact of Olympic Games in Great Britain, concerns over lack of funding at grass roots level).