Lower 6th Form Curriculum

Sport and Physical Education

Syllabus Followed: AQA
Entry Requirements: Grade BB in GCSE Combined Science or a B grade in GCSE Biology. Interest, determination and a good level of physical ability (B grade in assessments in Physical Education lessons in the Fifth Form) are essential.

Course Content

This course comprises three units. To be successful across all three you will need to have good practical skills and also be able to cope with the demands of the theoretical aspects of the course, which involve a significant amount of Human Biology.

Unit 1: 1 hour examination (40% of AS)

• Physiology Muscles, Joints & Bones in movement
• Components of Fitness, Cardiovascular System
• Respiratory System, Diet
• Effects of training on the body - long term & short term
• Psychology
• Theories of learning
• Acquisition of Skill
• Learning and Performance
• Motivation
• Memory
• Decision-making and Reactions
• Teaching Styles
• Dealing with Competition & Stress

Unit 2: 1 hour examination (30% of AS)

• Development of PE
• Participation in Sport
• National Curriculum
• Discrimination in Sport
• History of Sport
• Outdoor Activities
• Structure & Development of Sports Organisations
• Differences between Recreation, Sport & Play

Unit 3: Coursework or Practical Examination (30% of AS)

• Practical: Assessed on two activities. To achieve an A grade at AS Level you should aim to be playing at ‘County’ level or above in your chosen activity.
• Coursework: Analysis and evaluation of the factors which improve performance by planning, performing and evaluating a training programme (written project).

The A2 course develops all of the above aspects and focuses on the issues surrounding the elite performer, including more in-depth analysis of performance. You will also research into comparative studies of sport in France, America and the UK.

A number of pupils who have studied A Level Sport and Physical Education have gone on to take university degrees in Sport Science, Sport Management, Sport Education, Sports Coaching and Physiotherapy.

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