KS 5 - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The PE Learning Area is committed to providing all Key Stage 5 students with access to coaching courses, quality academic courses and access to a variety of sporting events. Although, there is currently no Key Stage 5 Core PE, the Learning Area has encouraged students to use The Leigh's state of the art fitness suite and/or participate in competitive sport against local schools. The Academy currently has football, netball and rugby teams with a large number of these students regularly coaching the Key Stage 3 sports teams.
Students can either study the AQA A level PE or Dance courses at The Leigh or a level 2/3 BTEC Sport course at Longfield Academy. All courses are highly popular and results are consistently well above the school and national averages. A large proportion of PE and Dance students are now regularly enrolling in sport related courses at universities across the country.
Students in Key Stage 5 have participated in the National Go Karting Championships as well as attending National sporting events around the country. Most recently, A level PE students have attended a 4 day intensive Rock Climbing, Kayaking and Surfing course at the Outdoor Leisure Pursuits company in Bude, Cornwall.
Information on A level PE
GCE: A Level Physical Education
Results 2010/11 = 100% A* - E Grades, 80% A* - C
This course offers students who have made good progress in Key Stage 4 within GCSE PE or BTEC Sport, the opportunity to continue the subject to a higher level. The AQA specification builds on the student's prior experience from Key Stage 4 to enhance their knowledge and increase their understanding of factors that affect performance and participation in Physical Education.
Entry Requirments
Minimum course requirements five A-C with a preference for an A*, A or B grade in GCSE PE or equivalent BTEC sport grade. Minimum grade C in English, Science and Maths. The ability to perform, officiate or coach strongly in at least one sport
Achieve 70% or more in their GCSE PE theory paper. The course is demanding. However, students are supplied with excellent resources to support their studies. The old adage of 'you get out what you put in' is true with A Level PE and if students are willing to commit to plenty of private study, they will have a great chance of success.
What can Students do with a PE qualification?
There are a wealth of Further Education and University courses within the sport, leisure, coach or medical industries that can be accessed with the help of a Physical Education A level qualification.
The Year 12 Course
Students follow a set course in Year 12, studying various topics within Unit 1 - 'Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle'. An examination is taken at the end of Year 12, which is worth 60% of the final AS PE grade.
Students are also assessed practically in 2 sports as either a performer, official, coach or choreographer. Students perform, analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in isolation and in structured practice as a either a player/performer and in an adopted role or two adopted roles.
Students are internally assessed and are required to produce video evidence of them performing in at least one of their two chosen sports. An external moderator will also assess them towards the end of the academic year.
Year 13 A level PE - entry requirements
Students are required to complete AS PE with at least a D grade overall and 40% or more in their theoretical paper.
A Level Physical Education - Course Specification
Unit 1 - PHED1 Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle
60% of AS, 30% of A Level
2 hour written examination
84 marks
Two sections:
Section A - six structured questions
Section B - application of theoretical knowledge to a practical situation
Unit 2 - PHED2 Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as a performer and/or in an adopted role/s
40% of AS, 20% of A Level
Internal assessment with external moderation
100 marks
Candidates perform, analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in isolation and in structured practice as either a player/performer and in an adopted role or two adopted roles. Available in June only
A2 Examinations Unit 3 - PHED3 Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport
30% of A Level
2 hour written examination
84 marks
Three sections:
Section A - how exercise physiology can optimise performance
Section B - how application of psychological knowledge can optimise performance
Section C - contemporary influences in sport and their impact on the performer
Unit 4 - PHED4 Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation
20% of A Level Internal assessment with external moderation
120 marks
Students perform, analyse and evaluate their own performance, identify areas of performance that they could improve, and suggest causes and appropriate corrective measures.
Further Information
Please see www.aqa.co.uk/PE or contact sli@leighacademy.org.uk.
Stuart Lindars
Director of Sport
