Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE PE or a Merit in BTEC Sport (if you have not studied these, you must be participating in sport at club level), plus grade 5 in GCSE Science and English Language and grade 4 in Mathematics.

Exam Board Specification

What you will study

  • Anatomy and Physiology – 30% (Exercise physiology / Biomechanics in sport)
  • Sports Psychology – 20% (How performers learn skills in sport / mental preparation for sport)
  • Socio-cultural Studies – 20% (Values in sport / ethical issues related to drugs use and violence)
  • Performance – 15% (A practical assessment of your skills as a performer or coach) and 15% Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI)
Row of male students running with a football

Assessments

  • Three examinations – 70% (at the end of year two)
  • Practical Assessments – 15% (you will be assessed in live moderations and using video evidence of your sports performance, alongside your competition log). 15% EAPI verbal examination.

Regular involvement in competitive sport is required to study A Level PE for one sport on the prescribed content list. You will need to maintain this involvement throughout the duration of your studies. There are a lot of areas you can be assessed in including;

  • Individual activities such as gymnastics, contemporary dance, boxing and athletics
  • Team sports including handball, hockey, football, netball and rugby
  • A range of specialist activities including wheelchair basketball and boccia

Course Support

  • We encourage independent learning to develop study skills
  • Research and revision resources
  • Regular assessments to track your progress
  • A range of learning activities – booklets, videos, group work, practical activities, social media, quizzes
  • ‘Stretch and Challenge’ activities for more able learner

Enrichment Activities

  • Recreational activities – five-a-side football, table tennis, dodgeball and badminton sessions
  • Competitive sports – rugby, football, basketball and netball
  • Meet with industry experts in sports science, sports psychology, physiotherapy and many more
  • University workshops
  • Sports leadership and first aid awards

Progression

A Level PE leads to an array of opportunities. You will receive extensive careers guidance to support and prepare you for your next steps. Many students progress to study a sport related degree at university e.g. PE, Sport Science, Sports Coaching and Development and Physiotherapy.

Career Opportunities

Supporting over 600,000 jobs in the UK, sport is a £28bn industry and this fast-growing sector now ranks among the top 15 mainstream activities in the economy. The huge amounts of money in UK sport means that there are more jobs to pursue than ever before. Some examples include Sports Coach, Sports Psychologist, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Teacher, Community Coach, Physiotherapist, Sports Scientist.

Three male students running on a field passing a rugby ball

Elite Athlete Support Programme

Carmel College is proud to be a Dual Career Accredited provider of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).

The continued growth and success of Physical Education and Sport at Carmel College has resulted in a significant increase in the number of elite performers starting courses at the college. We have been recognised by Sport England as a Dual Career Accredited Centre because of how we support the differing needs of these athletes via our Elite Athlete Support Programme. Read more

Female student in Liverpool Football kit

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE PE or a Merit in BTEC Sport (if you have not studied these, you must be participating in sport at club level), plus grade 5 in GCSE Science and English Language and grade 4 in Mathematics.

Exam Board Specification