PE & Sport Science

A-Level Physical Education/Sports Science (AQA)

The course takes a multi-disciplinary approach to sports science, encouraging the
development of different methods of enquiry, with the focal point being the
performer and the performance.  The course is based on the interaction between the theory and practice of Physical Education & Sports Science and involves many scientific investigations. It is delivered in way that relates theory to practice, working towards improvement in individual performance and that of others.

The course is made up of four modules, examined through four units of assessment.

Lower 6th (AS)

Unit 1: Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

• To include: Health, exercise & fitness physiology/Skill Acquisition/Opportunities for Participation
• Examined Unit: 2hr Paper

Unit 2: Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as a performer and/or in an adopted role/s

• Each candidate will be assessed on their ability to perform effectively in two of the following roles in a chosen activity: Practical performer, Official/referee/umpire/judge or Leader/coach
• Internal assessment with external moderation

Upper 6th (A2)

Unit 3: Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport.

• Section A: Applied physiology to optimise performance
• Section B: Psychological aspects that optimise performance
• Section C: Evaluating contemporary influences
• Examined Unit: 2hr Paper

Unit 4: Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation.

• The practical assessment of one sport and the critical analysis of their performance in relation to an elite performer.
• Oral assessment with written supporting notes

With a qualification in Physical Education & Sports Science students can continue to read sports related degrees at HE level, such as Sport & Exercise Science, Sport Psychology, Sport & Business Management or Sports Nutrition. It will also prepare them for a career in teaching and coaching or within the sport & leisure industry.

BTEC in Sports Science (Edexcel)

BTEC Level 3 Diplioma in Sport (Development, coaching and fitness) (QCF)

This course looks at the multi-faceted approach to sports preparation and performance. It covers in details 12 areas of sports science, coaching and fitness, preparing candidates for a career in high performance sport. It is a 100% coursework assessment with no exams, where candidates are given a variety of mediums, situation and scenarios to be assessed in. Candidates plan, perform and evaluate their own inverstigations in a variety of sporting arenas and are given the opportinity to apply sports science to their own performance.

The BTEC in Sports Science is offered as part of the PE & Sports Science Package for exceptional performers, as detailed below.

             

PE & Sports Science Package (4 AS Level courses)
AS Level 1 (to be taken to A level)	AS level PE & Sports Science The study of anatomy & physiology, skill acqusition, sport psychology, sports history, sport physiology and contemporary issues. Assessment: 60% Theory Exam, 40% Practical assessment of 2 sports.
AS Level 2 & 3(to be taken to A level)	BTEC in Sports Science  A double A level award consisting of 12 units over the two years of study, example units include: Unit 2: Physiology of Fitness Unit 5: Sports Coaching Unit 7: Fitness Training & Programming Unit 11: Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Unit 21: Sport & Exercise Massage This qualification offers candidates a practical learning environment with a 100% coursework assessment and no examinations. It is a level 3 award (like all A levels) and is accepted at all major sporting universities (Loughborough, Bath, Birmingham, Exeter, Brunel) as atmittance for any sports-related undergraduate degree.
AS Level 4	Additional AS in an area of strength or interest for the first year only in a related subject (e.g. Business Management, Sports Product Design).
Coaching awards and Professional Qualifications	Alongside their academic courses candidates will have the opportunity to gain coaching, officiating or fitness qualifications in sports such as cricket, rugby, netball and football.
Criteria for application:
8 points at GCSE (including at least an A grade in PE and a B grade in Double Science or equiv.) County standard at one or more sports Ability to produce a high standard of coursework
Coaching & fitness training experience would also be beneficial