PE

This course is for anyone moving on from GCSE with an interest in sport and physical education. You might be choosing it because you're headed for a career in the sports industry, though it will equip you with transferable skills such as teamwork, resilience and leadership that can be used in a wide range of careers. You'll need enthusiasm and a commitment to training and performing regularly in a chosen sport. A level PE combines well with subjects including physics, chemistry, biology and psychology.

For the practical element of this course you'll perform or coach a sporting activity. You'll also study theory which you will apply to improving your own performance. You'll explore the science behind physical activity: how the important components of the body work and react to factors such as the environment, diet, training and exercise. You'll learn about acute and chronic sports injuries and how they are treated. You'll get an understanding of biomechanics and modern technology used for analysing improving sports performance. Sports psychology will give you an insight into how we learn and develop sporting skills and the psychological factors that can affect performance. You'll also look at the development of sport over time and the factors that shape it today.

This course is a combination of practical sports activity and theoretical classroom-based study.

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course (70%) and your performance in a sport or coaching activity (30%). There are 3 examination papers: a 2-hour written paper and 2 further written papers of 1-hour duration.

Minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least grade 4 in Maths and English Language. Additionally, Grade 4 in Science.

Degree courses in related disciplines including: sports science, teaching, sports administration or management or a career in professional sport. It can also be useful for subjects such as psychology, sociology and biology, healthcare therapies such as occupational and physiotherapy. There are opportunities to enter employment or apprenticeships in sports coaching, personal training, outdoor education and leisure management.