Physical Education

If you have any further enquiries, please email Mr Gareth Cousins, cousinsg@salesiancollege.com

Why study PE?

The A Level course allows students to continue with the GCSE material but develop the themes and topics to a higher level. Students who are able practical performers can maximise their coursework marks through high levels of practical attainment. Students will be provided with learning experiences to enhance their own understanding of performance. Physical Education is a multi-faceted discipline which integrates diverse theoretical fields with practical performance.

What does the study of PE involve?

Students will have theory lessons in the classroom covering the wide range of material on the specification. They will also be expected to continue to develop their practical skills throughout the two years.

Why at Salesian College?

We offer the opportunity to work with experienced staff who have been involved with marking and assessment for exam boards at other centres for a number of years. The students’ previous levels of ability are already known to us and they can be guided towards the correct practical options. The extensive extracurricular programme in our sixth form provides plenty of opportunity to refine skills and to be accurately assessed.

What does the course involve?

YEAR 12 -
Students follow 2 components:
Component 1 (70%) - Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport (Exam: 2 Hours)

  • Section A - Applied physiology
  • Section B - Skill Acquisition and sports psychology
  • Section C - Sport and society and technology in sport

Component 2 (30%) - Practical performance in physical activity and sport (Non-exam assessment)

  • Analysis and evaluation (15%)
  • Practical performance in one sport/ area as performer or coach (15%)

YEAR 13 -
Students follow 3 components:
Component 1 (35%) - Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport (Exam: 2 Hours)

  • Section A - Applied anatomy and physiology
  • Section B - Skill Acquisition
  • Section C - Sport and society

Component 2 (35%) - Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport (Exam: 2 Hours)

  • Section A - Exercise physiology and biomechanics
  • Section B - Sports psychology
  • Section C - Sport and society and technology in sport

Component 3 (30%) - Practical performance in physical activity and sport (Non-exam assessment)

  • Analysis and evaluation (15%)
  • Practical performance in one sport/area as performer or coach (15%)

Skill required

There is no ‘perfect candidate’ but a successful candidate will not only be a strong sports performer but one who is able to write a clear essay with reasoned use of facts and who is comfortable with scientific principles.

What the PE Department offers in teaching and resources

In addition to the experienced teaching staff the Department has a wide and varied range of resources for this course. These include specific course text books, revision guides, fitness testing equipment and a collection of past exam papers. In addition to all this we provide the time and opportunity to develop skills in practical sports and to be assessed continually in order that your best performances count in your final marks.

What is expected from PE students?

In addition to the usual requirement to attend all lessons and to complete all set work to a high standard and on deadline, students are also expected to broaden their knowledge by reading around the topics and to be in a position to contribute to the course. As well as this a student must be committed to extra curricular improvement in their chosen sports, where possible at the College, or at a suitable club.

What can an A Level in PE lead to?

Most universities offer degrees in sports science or sports studies and past students of this A Level have gone onto higher studies at university. Additionally the very able may consider qualifying as a teacher of Physical Education after securing a Sports science degree or Physical Education QTS degree! Careers may include physiotherapy, sports management, sports journalism, teaching, professional sport and the ever increasing ‘leisure industry’.