A-Level

Physical Education

East Barnet School > Education > All EBS Courses > KS5 > Physical Education
Physical Education

Entry Criteria

Five GCSEs

Grade 5

PE GCSE

Grade 6

Science GCSE

Grade 6

Combined or Separate

Careers

Studying A-Level Physical Education can lead to an array of career paths and higher education options. Many students go on to follow careers in education, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, sports science and analysis, sports coaching, diet and fitness instruction, sports psychology amongst other sports-related careers. A-Level PE can open the door to many higher education courses including degrees in Physical Education or Sports Science, Physiotherapy and, if studied alongside other A-Level Sciences or Maths, any Science based courses. The skills and knowledge developed in PE, when studied alongside other compatible subjects can also lead to degrees in business, humanities and the arts. 

Can We Help?

If you require any further information about the curriculum we are following in this subject, please click here to contact the Head of Faculty/Department.

Course ID
OCR H555
Faculty
Expressive Arts
Department
Physical Education
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
K. Eustace
Head of Department
J. Langley
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
Physical Education

Course Overview

A-Level Physical Education offers an engaging, in-depth exploration into the world of sports, fitness, and physical performance, allowing students to study this dynamic subject in an academic setting while building practical skills. Through this course, students don’t just improve their own physical performance; they gain a deep understanding of the science, psychology, and socio-cultural elements that influence athletic achievements and the world of sport.

This A-Level explores fascinating topics like physiological factors affecting performance and how the body’s systems respond and adapt to exercise, as well as psychological factors, exploring what motivates athletes, the mental resilience required, and the effects of different strategies on performance. Additionally, students study the socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport, considering how culture, society, and media influence sports and shape the athletic landscape.

Assessment is structured to balance theory and practice, with 70% of the final grade coming from theoretical knowledge tested across three papers, and 30% from performance, where students showcase skills in a practical setting. This blend ensures that students not only learn about physical education but experience it firsthand.

A-Level Physical Education is perfect for anyone passionate about sports, fitness, and the science behind performance. This course prepares students with a comprehensive skill set highly valued in fields such as sports science, physiotherapy, coaching, sports psychology, and teaching, while also building analytical skills, resilience, and teamwork. For anyone looking to take their passion for sport to the next level, this course provides the foundation and inspiration to excel.

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 • Skeletal and muscular systems 1.1
• Biomechanical principles (Newtons laws, force and the use of technology) 3.1
• Classification of skills 4.1
• Types and methods of practice 4.2
• Emergence and evolution of modern sport 6.1
End of month written test.
Autumn 2 • Cardiovascular system 1.2
• Biomechanical principles (Stability and lever systems) 3.2
• Transfer of skills 4.3
• Learning theories 4.4
• Sport in the 21st century 6.2
End of month written test.
Spring 1 • Respiratory system 1.2
• Diet and nutrition and their effect on performance 2.1
• Stages of learning, guidance and feedback 4.5
• Global sporting events 6.3
End of month written test.
Spring 2 • Preparation and training methods 2.2
• Sports psychology – Individual differences 5.1
End of month written test.
Summer 1 • Preparation and training methods 2.2
• Group and team dynamics and goal setting in sport 5.2
End of month written test.
Summer 2 • Linear motion 3.1
• Energy for exercise 1.1
• Ethics and deviance on sport 6.1
End of month written test.

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Recap energy for exercise
• Angular motion 3.2
• Memory models 4.1
• Attribution in sport 5.1
End of month written test.
Autumn 2 • Fluid mechanics and projectile motion 3.3
• Recover, altitude and heat 1.2
• Confidence and self-efficacy in sports performance 5.2
• Leadership in sport 5.3
• Stress management to optimise performance 5.4
End of month written test.
Spring 1 • Injury prevention and rehabilitation of injury 2.1
• Commercialisation and media 6.2
• Routes to sporting excellence in the UK
• EAPI
MOCK EAPI (teacher assessed and internally verified).
Spring 2 • Injury prevention and rehabilitation of injury 2.1
• Modern technology in sport 6.4
• EAPI
Practical assessment with moderator.
EAPI filmed and assessed.
Summer 1 Revision.  
Summer 2 ‘A’ Level Examination. ‘A’ Level Examination

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Brian Mac; A Level PE; OCR Specification; BBC Sport. OCR PE for A Level Year 1 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); OCR PE for A Level Year 2 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); My Revision Notes: OCR A Level PE (Keri Moorhouse); Physical Education Matters Journal available in the Library. Remember The Titans – about motivation and leadership; Icarus – deviance in sport and drug cheating; Sport Psychology (Ted Talk); Psychology of a Winner. Barnet Partnership for School Sport; School Clubs.

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Brian Mac; A Level PE; OCR Specification; BBC Sport. OCR PE for A Level Year 1 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); OCR PE for A Level Year 2 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); My Revision Notes: OCR A Level PE (Keri Moorhouse); Physical Education Matters Journal available in the Library. Remember The Titans – about motivation and leadership; Icarus – deviance in sport and drug cheating; Sport Psychology (Ted Talk); Psychology of a Winner. Barnet Partnership for School Sport; School Clubs.