Physical Education
OVERVIEW
In the OCR A-level Physical Education (PE) course, students will explore a variety of topics that blend scientific, psychological, and socio-cultural aspects of physical education.
Studying A-level physical education gives pupils a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance. Not only do they get the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, they also develop a wide-ranging knowledge into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of physical activity and sport. The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity to improve practical performance through the application of theory.
Small class sizes at King’s provide opportunities to learn through practical application and give plenty of individual support. Pupils learn the reasons why some people outperform others mentally and physically. They gain many valuable skills from studying PE that help in other A-level subjects as well as future careers. Some of the key skills that the course develops are communication, analysis and evaluation, decision-making, psychological understanding of people, problem-solving, and thinking and acting under pressure.
A-level PE is an excellent preparation for a university degree in sports science, sports management, healthcare, or exercise and health. PE can also complement further study in biology, human biology, physics, psychology, nutrition, sociology and a range of other subjects. It can lead to careers such as sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, personal training and teaching.
OUR SYLLABUS
Here’s an overview of the OCR A Level Physical Education (PE) course:
Paper one: Physiological Factors Affecting Performance
- Anatomy and Physiology: Study of the body’s systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular) and their roles in physical activity.
- Exercise Physiology: Understanding how the body responds and adapts to exercise, including energy systems, fatigue, and recovery.
- Biomechanics: Analysis of movement patterns, forces, and mechanics to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
Paper Two. Psychological Factors Affecting Performance
- Skill Acquisition: How skills are learned, developed, and refined, including stages of learning and types of practice.
- Sports Psychology: Mental aspects of performance, such as motivation, arousal, anxiety, and strategies to enhance mental toughness.
Paper Three. Socio-cultural Issues in Physical Activity and Sport
- Sport and Society: The role of sport in society, including historical development, socialisation, and the impact of media.
- Contemporary Issues: Current topics such as ethics, commercialisation, technology in sport, and the role of women in sports.
Paper Four. Performance in Physical Education (Non-Exam Assessment)
- Practical Performance: Students are assessed on their performance in one chosen sport, demonstrating skills, techniques, and tactics.
- Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI): Students analyse their own or others’ performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and suggesting strategies for development.
This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of physical education, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
WHY STUDY PE?
A-level PE is special because it offers a holistic understanding of human performance, combining biology, psychology, and sociology. It has real-world applications, promotes personal development, and addresses contemporary issues in sports. The course includes practical experience, fostering teamwork and resilience.
It opens doors to various careers in sports, health, and education, and creates a sense of community among students. If you love sports and physical activity, PE will deepen your passion and provide valuable skills for the future.
You will also develop a wide-ranging knowledge of the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of physical activity and sport. The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for you to improve your own practical performance through the application of theory.
Pupils get to experience a trip to Exeter University where they get to use some of the sports science equipment, talk to students and get a tour of the university.
A-level PE develops valuable soft skills like teamwork, leadership, time management, problem-solving, communication, resilience, self-discipline, and empathy. Our teaching integrates theory with practical experience, emphasising real-world applications and personal growth. Students also develop strong evaluative and analytical skills through performance analysis.
Professional sports performance, teachers, physiotherapists, business, accountancy
