Course details may be subject to change.
If you are interested in studying A Levels at New College Durham please just complete one application form and you will be able to choose your subjects once you have had your interview. You do not need to apply for each of the subjects you are interested.
This A-Level in PE is designed to provide you with an in depth understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of physical education.
You will cover a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition, sports psychology, and sports sociology.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the history and development of sport and physical education, as well as contemporary issues such as the role of technology in sport.
Entry Criteria
You will hold five GCSEs at grade 9-4, including:
- GCSE English Language - grade 5 - GCSE Maths - grade 5
- GCSE Science - grade 5,5
What are the next steps?
You will be invited to attend a meet the tutor chat with one of our A-Levels team.
Please bring evidence of your grades or predicted grades.
Study Aims
This A-Level qualification aims to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education.
You will:
- develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance
- understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance
- understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in
- physical activity and sport
- understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport
- refine your ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
- develop your ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance
- understand the contribution that physical activity makes to health and fitness
- improve your ability to learn independently, and think critically and reflect.
Modules Studied
- Exercise physiology, training and performance
- Movement analysis, technology and biomechanics
- Sport psychology
- Skill acquisition
- Sport and society
Teaching and Assessment
This classroom-based course will include learning activities during lesson time, homework tasks and internal assessments.
You will be assessed through a written examination and a practical assessment. The written examination consists of two papers, each worth 35% of the overall grade, while the practical assessment is worth 30%.
The practical assessment will involve participating in an individual sport and a team sport. You will be assessed on your performance in both sports. You will also be marked on your ability to analyse and evaluate the performance of each individual, including your own.
You could progress to study a Sport & Exercise Science or Sports Coaching degree at NCD's University Centre, or a relevant degree at university.
