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Physical Education

Athena Sixth Form College - Downham Market

Bexwell Road, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9LL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Leisure, Travel and Tourism

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Athena Sixth Form College - Downham Market
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Application Instructions

Please apply through our website at https://asf.tela.org.uk/

General Entry Requirements

A Level Programme Entry Requirements

  • Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 6 or above
  • Minimum of a 6 in English and Maths and Science if taking A level Sciences.

The opportunity to study four Advanced level subjects will be offered to some particularly well-qualified applicants, currently defined as students who have achieved at least an average grade 7 across their best seven GCSE subjects.

Vocational and Applied Diploma Entry Requirements

  • Merit at Level 2 in chosen area of study
  • Minimum of 5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including at least a grade in English and Maths

**Please refer to each subject's entry requirements for additional entry requirements for that subject**

Course Summary

Studying A-level Physical Education (PE) will give you a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports performance. Not only will you have the chance to perform or coach a sport through the non-exam assessment component, you will also develop a wide-ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport. The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students. You can perform, and then through academic study improve your performance or coaching through application of the theory.

Physical Education is studied through a range of different contexts and the impact it has on everyday lives. You will learn the reasons why we do things, why some people out-perform others, mentally and physically. You will also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and also the influence that modern technology is having in and on physical activity and sport.

PE compliments any subject but it has particular relevance to: Physics, Biology, History, Psychology, Sociology, and Health and Social Care.

Course Details

The course is assessed by four different components:

Physiological Factors Affecting Performance: This will include learning about applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology and biomechanics. This is worth 30% of the total grade and will be a 2-hour written paper.

Psychological Factors Affecting Performance: This will include learning about skill acquisition and sport psychology. This is worth 20% of the total grade and will be a 1-hour written paper.

Socio-Cultural Issues in Physical Activity and Sport: This will include learning about sport and society and contemporary issues in sport, such as technology and drugs. This is worth 20% of the total grade and will be a 1-hour written paper.

Performance in Physical Education: This includes being assessed in one practical activity which must be participated in outside of school, and an evaluation and analysis of your performance which is written coursework. This is worth 30% of the total grade.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

As an A-level PE student we provide leadership opportunities by supporting Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students with their development in their lessons, in addition supporting with extracurricular activities that we offer in and out of school.

Potential opportunity to visit University Sport Science facilities to support learning with A-level studies. This will also help to gain an insight into further education within a sporting context.


Entry requirements

6 in GCSE PE if taken or performance in at least one sport from the OCR approved list at club level or higher.

Your next steps...

A-level Physical Education can open up a range of possibilities for further education and career opportunities including: sports development, sports coaching, physiotherapy, personal training or becoming one of the next generation of PE teachers. The transferable skills you learn through your study of Physical Education, such as decision making and independent thinking, are useful in any career path you choose to take.



For more courses like this, check our courses page.