PE - KS5

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Students at SJB study PE because it guides & inspires them to maintain optimum health & fitness for the rest of their lives. They will develop physical literacy & experience positive feelings around physical activity, building confidence in their bodies. 

PE develops a range of life skills including leadership, teamwork & a resilience to physical & mental challenges. For many students, physical education will be a source of great passion & can foster a curiosity in the limits of human health & performance.

Exam Board: AQA

Qualification: A Level Physical Education (7582)

A Level Physical Education AQA Specification

KS5 PE Curriculum Map

A Level PE is designed for students who are passionate about sport and fitness, and who are eager to explore and maximise their full potential of both the body and mind. It explores the science behind human performance, from anatomy and physiology to biomechanics and sports psychology. It challenges students to think critically, train effectively, and apply their knowledge in real-world sporting contexts.

This course provides a solid foundation for further study in sports science, physiotherapy, sports psychology, teaching, nutrition, strength and conditioning, kinesiology and many more.

 

1. Applied Anatomy and Physiology

  • The structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

  • The impact of exercise and training on these systems.

  • How energy is produced, stored, and used in physical activity.

2. Skill Acquisition

  • How we learn and develop motor skills.

  • Theories of learning and how practice affects performance.

  • Memory models and how information is processed.

  • Use of guidance and feedback.

3. Sport and Society

  • How sport has developed historically in the UK.

  • The role of social and cultural factors in shaping participation.

  • How sport is influenced by class, gender, ethnicity, disability, and technology.

4. Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics

  • Diet and nutrition for performance.

  • Preparation and recovery for training.

  • Injury prevention and rehabilitation.

  • Biomechanical principles (Newton’s laws, levers, linear/angular motion, fluid mechanics).

5. Sport Psychology

  • Personality, motivation, arousal, anxiety, and stress in sport.

  • How groups and teams work together.

  • Leadership in sport.

  • Confidence and goal setting for performance.

6. The Role of Technology in Sport

  • How modern technology affects performance, officiating, and fairness.

  • Positive and negative impacts (e.g. VAR, prosthetics, performance analysis).

Students studying A Level PE will develop:

  • A strong understanding of the scientific, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influencing sport and physical activity.

  • The ability to analyse and evaluate performance, applying theory to practice and suggesting improvements.

  • Practical skills in performance or coaching, supported by knowledge of training, biomechanics, and psychology.

  • Personal qualities such as resilience, motivation, organisation, leadership, and communication.

  • Transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and research, preparing them for further study for a wide range of careers.

To succeed in A Level PE, students are required to: 

  • Have a thorough understanding and love for sport.
  • Be actively training and competing at a high standard in one sport (club level or above).
  • Be disciplined and committed academically, for both theory and practical assessments.

Entry Requirements:

  • A minimum of grade 6 in GCSE PE.
  • If PE was not taken at GCSE, 6-6 in Combined Science is essential.
Component What's assessed Duration Weighting
Paper 1: Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Activity and Sport
  • Applied Anatomy & Physiology (skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory systems, energy systems, diet & nutrition).
  • Skill Acquisition (types of skill, stages of learning, memory, guidance, feedback, transfer of skills).
  • Sport and Society (historical development, social/cultural influences, commercialisation, ethical issues).
 2 hours 35%

Paper 2: Factors Affecting Optimal Performance in Physical Activity and Sport
  • Exercise Physiology & Biomechanics (training methods, injury prevention, rehabilitation, motion, levers, fluid mechanics).
  • Sport Psychology (motivation, personality, arousal, anxiety, leadership, goal setting, confidence, group dynamics).
  • Sport and Society / Technology in Sport (impact of technology on performance, officiating, positives & negatives).
 2 hours 35%
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)
  • Practical performance as a performer or coach in one sport (15%).
  • Written performance analysis, evaluating strengths, weaknesses, and improvements (15%).
 Practical and written 30%
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