A Level Physical Education

The scientific study of exercise, health and sport.

The scientific study of exercise, health and sport is big business, from the riches of professional sport to the equally important personal fitness sector. The impact of sport on both our individual lives and the global economy cannot be overstated.

About the Course

The course covers a diverse range of topics. Not only will you learn about how the body works: anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, but you will also learn how performance can be enhanced, analysed, monitored and about the multiple health benefits of physical activity.

You will study psychology to analyse the role of the mind in performance; nutrition to understand how to fuel performance; sports injury prevention and management; and sport business to understand the financial side of the industry.

You will develop an understanding of the role that sport played in the past and the role it will play in the future.

Students get a different perspective thanks to the many trips, talks, workshops, and work experiences organised throughout the course e.g. the annual trip to USA, which includes visits to NBA team Boston Celtics and Harvard University as well as trips to specialist sport science labs to experience cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and lab testing of VO2 max.

Opportunities unique to this course

The range of topics covered at A Level PE is a huge strength of the course. Students will study Anatomy & Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology, Skill Acquisition and History of Sport. Additionally, the first-class resources and support on offer to PE students enable all students to progress and exceed their potential.

Year 12

Scientific Principles

• Applied anatomy and exercise physiology (musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, energy systems, diet & nutrition and training principles).
• Biomechanics (motion and forces applied to physical activity).

Psychological & Social Principles

• Sport psychology (factors affecting performance - personality, arousal, anxiety, aggression, motivation and dynamics of group processes).
• Skill acquisition (theories of learning & performance that underpin coaching principles).
• Sport and society (impact of ethics on sport including deviance in sport, the growing influence of the commercialisation of sport and the relationship of sport & the media).

Practical Performance

• Assessed as a performer or coach in one sport. You do not need to be a high-level performer to study A level PE.

• Technology underpins the whole course whether enhancing, analysing or monitoring performance (with access to university science labs and some of the latest equipment).

70% examination (two written papers)

You need to be qualified by both the 1) relevant admissions score AND 2) for the subjects you are applying for:

1) Admissions scores

The indicative Minimum entry admissions score for ​Physical Education is 58*

Calculate your admissions score at www.hillsroad.ac.uk/calculator

Read more about our admissions scores by visiting www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply

2) Subjects and grades required

​Option a: GCSE grade 6 or Merit in PE (or similar subject title) and 6 in Mathematics or 6 in one Science

Option b: GCSE grade 6 in English Language or Literature, 6 in Mathematics or 6 in one Science and 4 in PE if studied

Before making your application, visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply and give yourself the best chance of achieving our entry criteria.

*The admissions scores are an indicative guide to help applicants understand how places have previously been allocated, they should not be taken as a definitive prediction of equivalent scores for entry to the College in 2022, which will depend on application patterns for that year. Please submit your application to the College even if your score is a few points below the relevant admissions score.

Employers greatly value the range of skills that ‘Sport’ graduates bring to the workplace. However, many do choose a career in sport, indeed, a number of you will be taught and coached by former Hills Road students.