Physical Education / Sports Studies

Course summary

A level PE aims to provide you with an understanding of a range of topics that impact on peak athletic performance. You will use different learning theories to explain how performers learn skills, looking at how anxiety and arousal affect novice and elite performers, through to an in-depth review of how the body and mind work before, during and after performance. Although PE is a theoretical course, you can still expect to engage in some physical activity in your second year, with your practical ability being assessed as part of your non-examined assessment. You can expect engaging lessons, predominantly in the classroom, that give you an excellent understanding of the founding principles of sports science: physiology, psychology and biomechanics. You will also delve into the effects of modern-day technology on athletes’ performance from VAR to assist officials, to enhancements in drugs such as anabolic steroids and EPO. You will leave as a well-rounded student with an expansive knowledge of issues and processes that impact athletes’ performance.