A Level Physical Education (PE)

This course equips learners with comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and skills in the scientific, socio-cultural, and practical aspects of physical education. It aims to develop confident, independent thinkers and effective decision-makers, whether working individually or in teams—skills valuable throughout life. We offer a flipped learning approach where students learn foundational topics at home and consolidate them in class through practical activities, group work, learning games, and the use of our intranet, i-site. Regular assessments will monitor progress, aligned with the structure of final external exams.

Students should regularly compete in their chosen sport, submitting video evidence for practical assessment and moderation. Our teachers, experienced athletes in swimming, gymnastics, and football, provide coaching and help students improve their practical grades through participation in NSCG sports teams. There's also an opportunity to compete in the British Colleges Sport National Championships. We recommend students purchase a relevant textbook for the course.

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including maths and English Language, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices. You must also play at least one sport at representative level for the duration of this course.

This qualification is linear, which means all students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the two years. Assessment is comprised of three external examinations and two moderated practical based assessments with a verbal evaluation of performance.

Paper 1: (2 hour written exam) 90 marks, Contributes to 30% of final grade.

Physiological factors affecting performance:

• 1.1 Applied anatomy & physiology
• 1.2 Exercise Physiology
• 1.3 Biomechanics

Paper 2: (1 hour written exam) 60 marks. Contributes to 20% of final grade.

Psychological factors affecting performance:

• 2.1 Skill Acquisition
• 2.2 Sports psychology

Paper 3: (1 hour written exam) 60 marks. Contributes to 20% of final grade.

Socio-cultural factors affecting performance:

• 3.1 Sport & Society
• 3.2 Contemporary issues in physical activity & sport

Non-exam assessment (internal assessment, external moderation). Contributes to 30% of final grade.

• 4.1 Practical performance or coach in full-sided fully-competitive activity
• 4.2 Verbal analysis of a peer’s performance (EAPI)

If you wish to find out more you can contact Hannah Dale by emailing: hannah.dale@nscg.ac.uk.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £30,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance