PE: Key Stage 5
PE Department Rationale and Overview
To promote physical skills, physical development and a knowledge of the body in action, and provide opportunities for pupils to be creative, competitive and to build resilience, whilst developing positive attitudes towards active and healthy lifestyles.
Our vision is concerned with not only enhanced learning and provision within Physical Education and School Sport itself, but also, as we have seen, on the unique role our subject can play as a template and tool for the development of whole school practice leading to whole school improvement - Improved Attitudes to learning; Higher Attainment across the curriculum; Improved Attendance; Improved Behaviour and Enhanced Leadership skills.
Students who have opted for A level PE are taught the theory component following the AQA specification during timetabled option block lessons. The NEA practical component is assessed in Year 13, with students taking responsibility for their progress and collection of suitable evidence. Guidance is given for the written NEA and feedback on progress, to allow students to fulfil their potential.
In year 12, students have the opportunity in their enrichment timetabled lessons to complete the Level 2 Sports Leaders Award.
All students in Year 12 and 13 have timetabled lessons on a Wednesday afternoon for PE – opportunities to play competitive football, rugby, basketball, netball and cricket are available, as well as badminton, indoor sports, fitness suite and table tennis. Students also can participate in their own choice of physical activity, e.g. private gym, horse riding, golf, cycling, squash, swimming etc.
A Level PE – Additional Information
Awarding body: AQA
About the subject: The course we study expands on many of the ideas and concepts already encountered during Key Stage 4. It provides a natural progression for candidates who have already studied PE by extending their knowledge and understanding of the theory behind sporting performance. The course covers seven units across three areas:
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Aptitude and interest in all three topic areas and skills of independent research are required to ensure success in the theoretical elements. Although the course is predominantly theoretical, it is essential that students have an active involvement in competitive sport, as in-depth knowledge of sport is required for the practical assessment.
Assessment:
Theory – 70% of A Level
Two x two-hour examination papers (35% of total course grade each).
Each paper contains three sections of equal weighting:
- Applied exercise physiology and biomechanics.
- Skill acquisition and sport psychology.
- Sport and society and technology in sport.
NEA Practical – 15% of A Level
Students assessed as a performer or coach in a full sided version of one activity:
- Area of assessment 1: Technical quality – aspect 1 (15 marks).
- Area of assessment 2: Technical quality – aspect 2 (15 marks).
- Area of assessment 3: Application of strategic/tactical awareness (15 marks).
NEA Written – 15% of A Level
- Analysis and Evaluation of Practical Performance
Sports Leadership - Additional Information
The course is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for students to develop their confidence in skills of communication, organisation and leadership through a sporting context. The course covers three units:
- Leadership skills
- Planning, leading and evaluating sessions
- Assisting in organising sporting events
The Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership (accredited by Sports Leaders UK) is followed, and students are awarded this qualification on the successful completion of the course.
Throughout the course, students participate in theoretical and practical sessions to develop their leadership knowledge and skills. Students gain direct experience from delivering some Key Stage 3 PE classes and supporting the PE department with organising inter-house events. The course also integrates working with local primary ‘feeder’ schools and external visitors to help inspire potential career pathways in sport.
Students are expected to complete a workbook throughout the course, in which their knowledge, reflections and plans are recorded.