Physical Education

A Level

This academic A Level is well respected by universities and will see you explore the physiological and psychological factors that underpin sports performance. You will learn more about how sport influences society, whilst developing your performance in your chosen sport, as well as exploring how anatomy and physiology impacts elite athlete performance.

This course is an ideal choice for students who are passionate about sport and sport performance and want to expand their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of areas such as the science and psychology behind sport. Please note that experience in a recognised sport is vital- for a full list that will be accepted, please see below.

Specific requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen Pathway. To study A Level Physical Education you will also need a Grade 5 in GCSE Biology or Science. You must also play a competitive sport outside college regularly.

For more information about the pathways, please click here.

Your learning experience

This challenging and interesting learning experience will allow you to combine statistical and scientific knowledge; your topics will include:

  • Applied anatomy and physiology
  • Skill acquisition
  • Sport and society
  • Exercise physiology
  • Biomechanical movement
  • Sport psychology
  • Technological developments

An enriching experience

Studying A Level Physical Education at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and build your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our A Level Physical Education students enjoy include:

  • Work placements, including to international destinations and the chance to work in overseas locations. This year students have travelled to Lisbon and Portugal
  • Visiting guest speakers who play at a national and international level
  • Trips and visits to universities, and venues such as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
  • The opportunity to undertake additional qualifications, such as the Sports Leaders UK accreditation

Enlightening Opportunities

We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love for learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career.

A Level Physical Education students benefit from our state-of-the-art facilities including Sports Barn, onsite Fitness Suite, Sports Laboratory and outdoor pitches and you’ll have the opportunity to hone your academic and sporting skills often. Industry links to sporting professionals mean that our students can network effectively and develop work-based skills that support progression, preparing you for a career in this competitive industry.

How will you be assessed?

The course is assessed via coursework and examination plus a practical assessment where you will be assessed as a performer or a coach.

Where does it lead?

Students who study A Level Physical Education progress on to a wide range of destinations, and the careers opportunities you can access are vast. Naturally, there are progression routes within the industry, and students often secure careers in areas such as coaching, fitness and leisure centre management, as well as competing in their chosen sports professionally.

As an academic A Level, this course supports students to progress to a wide range of universities and degree programmes, including related subjects in areas such as Biology and Psychology.
Some popular course choices include:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Sports Science
  • Healthcare
  • Sports Management
  • Biology
  • Sports Psychology
Perfect pairings

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Good to Know
Our extensive extra-curricular programme supports you to grow your skills inside and outside of the classroom. From trialling to join a Sports Academy and daily sports based sessions to the option to use our onsite gym and officiating at local fixtures, you can fuel your passion for sport inside and outside of the classroom
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