GCSE

GCSE Physical Education A (AQA)

The course consists of practical coursework, written coursework and academic components.

The practical involves the candidates being assessed for their technical and performance levels in four sports. In two of the sports their ability to coach, officiate and knowledge of the sports rules or laws is also tested.

The coursework involves the designing of, undertaking and reporting on a fitness program specific to one of the four chosen sports.

The academic component looks at the following areas;

• Section A: Health, fitness and the factors affecting performance e.g. diet, muscular and cardiovascular systems
  
• Section B: The principles of training including the different types of training, tests, physiological and psychological factors, the way in which we learn new skills, recent technological improvements and the risks involved
  
• Section C: Factors affecting individual performance and participation such as the school, changing social attitudes, social groups, leisure time and facilities.
  
• Section D: Social and cultural factors affecting whole sports, such as sponsorship, media, governing bodies and international events like the Olympics.

The qualification gives a good grounding for AS and A2 Physical which can lead to degree courses in education, sports science, physiotherapy, sports management and sports journalism. A career in the constantly expanding sports sphere is then a natural progression.