Physical Education
The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. You can perform, and then through academic study, improve your performance or coaching through the application of the theory.
Why study Physical Education?
A level PE offers more than just the chance to perform or coach—it provides a deep understanding of how and why the body performs in physical activity and sport. You’ll explore what makes people excel both mentally and physically, the impact of sport on daily life, and ethical issues such as drug use in athletics. A evel PE equips you with valuable skills in critical thinking, leadership, and ethics, preparing you for careers in sports, health, and education.
Why study Physical Education?
- Understanding of physiology, health, fitness
- Skills in coaching / performance
- Research skills (studying sports science)
- Ability to evaluate performance
- Leadership and teamwork
What careers can you pursue?
- Sports Science
- Physiotherapy
- Sports Coaching
- PE Teaching
- Sports Management
- Health & Wellness roles
- Occupational Health
- Nutrition
- Maybe Biomedical roles depending on combination
AS & A level components
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Unit 1: 24% – 72 marks
- Exploring physical education – Written Examination 1 hour and 45 minutes
Unit 2: 16% – 48 Marks
- Improving personal performance in physical education – Practical Examination in one sport as a player performer and as a coach or official. A written personal performance profile is also required.
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Unit 3: 36% – 90 marks
- Evaluating physical education 2 hours – Written examination. To assess all A Level subject content. A range of questions including data response, short and extended answers
Unit 4: 24% – 60 marks
- Refining personal performance in physical education – Practical performance in one activity as a player/performer, coach or official
- A written investigative research profile is also required
Subject FAQ’s
Which examination board?
WJEC
Does the AS count towards the A level or is it a standalone qualification?
A level PE is a modular subject that can be studied as a standalone AS. All students will sit a written examination and complete a practical assessment in Year 12. If they choose to continue with the full A level course, Units 3 and 4 will be covered during Year 13. At the end of Year 13, students will sit another written examination and perform a practical assessment. The marks from Units 1 and 2 (AS) will then be combined with those from Units 3 and 4.
How will you be assessed?
Unit 1: 24% – 72 marks
- Exploring physical education – Written Examination 1 hour and 45 minutes
Unit 2: 16% – 48 Marks
- Improving personal performance in physical education – Practical Examination in one sport as a player performer and as a coach or official. A written personal performance profile is also required.
The A2 course has the following requirements:
Unit 3: 36% – 90 marks
- Evaluating physical education 2 hours – Written examination. To assess all A Level subject content. A range of questions including data response, short and extended answers
Unit 4: 24% – 60 marks
- Refining personal performance in physical education – Practical performance in one activity as a player/performer, coach or official
- A written investigative research profile is also required
