Physical Education Curriculum Summary for Key Stage 5

AS/A2 Physical Education (Edexcel) offers students the opportunity to take on the roles of performer, leader and official. In the context of these roles students will;

       Review their current participation in physical activity

       Identify opportunities locally, nationally and internationally for them to advance their participation

       Create a development plan for their participation

Students will also learn about sport, from grass roots to elite level, and the development of competitive sport. Healthy lifestyles, fitness and training, and the preparation for sports performance are also covered extensively.

AS Level at a glance

Comprises two units, each worth 50% of the AS, or 25% of the total A-Level.

Unit 1: Participation in Sport and Recreation

This unit is divided into two sections:

  1. Developing knowledge of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. How the body responds and adapts to exercise, components of fitness, types of fitness training and fitness testing
  2. Developing knowledge of how competitive sport has developed over time and how lifelong involvement in sport is encouraged

Assessment is through a 1hr 30min exam set and marked by Edexcel

Unit 2: The Critical Sports Performer

Students will be engaged in four tasks which include:

  1. Participating in sport as a performer, leader and official
  2. Research into provision for sport at a local level
  3. Research into provision for sport at a National Level
  4. Performance analysis

This unit is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence

A2 Level at a glance

Comprises two units, each worth 50% of the A2, or 25% of the total A-Level.

Unit 3: Preparation for Optimum Sports Performance

Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the short and long term physiological and psychological preparations made by elite athletes. They will also look at technical preparations such as selecting the correct equipment and the use of training camps

Assessment is through a 2 hour examination which is set and marked by Edexcel

Unit4: The Developing Sports Performer

Students develop the work they did in Unit 2 and specialise in one practical performance role. They then complete three further tasks, these are;

  1. Construct a development plan to further progress their performance as performers, leaders or officials
  2. Research one of these roles in an international context
  3. Plan their life in physical activity, outlining a sporting timeline through school, college, university, clubs and future roles

Assessment is through internal marking of the tasks and external moderation

AS/A2 P.E provides an excellent foundation for further studies and employment in many areas including;

Sports science                                              Coaching                              Sports Development

Physiotherapy                                              P.E Teaching                        Sports Psychology

Leisure Management                                  Medicine                               Officiating

Armed Forces                                                Sports Media                        Fitness Instruction