| Overview | Physical Activity is an integral component of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. The AS specification is focussed on participation and performance in Physical Activity as well as understanding the background of sport through the theoretical analysis of Socio-Cultural, Psychological and Physiological principles. This course examines how the body functions and performs in action, how the performers mind and body interact and how society influences sport. To gain entry to the Sixth Form Physical Education course, boys will need to demonstrate, by February of Year 11, that they are ‘on track’ to attain at least an A grade in GCSE PE (Full Course). The evidence for this judgement will be taken from the end of Year 10 theory examination, the Year 11 January mock examination, the four GCSE practical scores and the mark attained in the GCSE Observation and Analysis score. Those recommended for the course will also be expected to have secured a recommendation for either A-level biology or chemistry (although deciding to study A-level biology or chemistry is not a requirement). |
| Examination board | The sixth form Physical Education course at Queen Elizabeth’s will follow the OCR specification. Full details of the specification and additional support materials can be accessed here. |
Unit 1 - An introduction to Physical Education Examination to be taken in Summer of Year 12 | This theoretical unit is split into three sections with 90 marks available in total. Candidates are required to answer all questions in each section to demonstrate knowledge, analysis and evaluation. Section 1 – Anatomy and Physiology. This area studies the Skeletal, Muscular, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems of the body and how they influence and affect the performance of Physical Activity. Section 2 – Acquisition of Movement Skills. This area studies the classification and development of motor skills and abilities, learning of skill and motor control of skills in Physical Activity. Information Processing is also considered. Section 3 – Socio-cultural Studies relating to the participation of Physical Activity. This area looks at the specific structure of Physical Activity, how sport affects and is affected by culture and different sociological issues in sport. |
Unit 2 - Acquiring, developing and performing practical skills in Physical Education Internally assessed and externally moderated | This practical unit involves candidates performing two chosen activities from two different activity profiles as listed below: - Athletic Activities
- Combat Activities
- Dance Activities
- Invasion Games Activities
- Net/Wall Activities
- Striking/Fielding Activities
- Target Game Activities
- Gymnastic Activities
- Outdoor & Adventurous Activities
- Swimming Activities
- Safe & Effective Exercise Activities
The performance of each is internally assessed and externally moderated against performance criteria - their ability to select and perform skills consistently, precisely and with control and fluency in an applied skill environment. Candidates must also evaluate and plan for the improvement of performance in a response to a live performance, using knowledge gained in unit 1. This unit totals 80 marks. |
Unit 3 - Principles and Concepts across different areas of Physical Education Examination to be taken in Sumer of Year 13 | This unit covers both Socio-Cultural and Scientific areas of Physical Activity progressing knowledge from Unit 1 at AS. The theoretical unit, or options paper, covers two sections where candidates are required to answer three questions; Historical Studies, Sports Psychology and Exercise and Sport Physiology. QE chooses not to study the Biomechanics or Comparative studies options. The final question in each section is synoptic. Historical Studies - this focuses on the historical factors that impact on and continue to affect participation and improved competence in physical activity as part of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. Candidates will develop their knowledge, understanding and their ability to apply historical concepts that led to young people and other societal groups being physically active. Popular recreation in pre-industrial Britain, Rational recreation in post-industrial Britain, 19th-century public schools and athleticism together with the development of drill, physical training and Physical Education in state schools are all studied. Sports Psychology - this area progresses knowledge of the Acquisition of Movement Skills studied in Unit 1 and focuses on the factors such as individual differences and group dynamics that affect participation in physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. The application of concepts such as personality, leadership, social facilitation, self confidence and goal-setting will give candidates the understanding of how people make the most of the opportunities and pathways to be involved in physical activities and the psychological influences that limit or encourage involvement. Exercise and Sport Physiology progresses knowledge of human Anatomy and basic Physiology studied in Unit 1 and applies it to performance and training. The main focus is on how the body changes as a result of physical activity and how physical competence may be improved as a result of sustaining a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. Energy provision, health components of physical fitness, the application of principles of training and the physiology behind performance enhancement is all studied in this unit. |
Unit 4 - The improvement of effective performance and the critical evaluation of practical activities in Physical Education Internally assessed and externally moderated | This unit involves candidates performing one practical activity, usually one of the two studied at AS from the activity profile list. The performance is internally assessed and externally moderated against performance criteria – assessed in the selection and application of skills in their chosen activity, and in their performance of this activity in an open environment (effective performance). Candidates must also critically evaluate, appreciate and give improvements for performance in a response to a live performance, using the theoretical knowledge gained in units 1 and 3. This unit totals 80 marks. |
| Course support & enrichment at QE | The sixth form Physical Education curriculum is enriched through departmental subscriptions to a number of journals such as PE Review, Sports Coach and Balls. The practical aspect of the course will be continually assessed over the course of year 12 and 13 during lessons, games afternoons and fixtures in order to reach the highest standard of performance. Teachers in the department will lead extension classes for those interested in studying beyond the A-level specification. The PE curriculum section of the Learning Resources Area will provide extra information, support and wider reading for the AS course. |
| Progression from A-level Physical Education | A Level Physical Education is a highly regarded qualification by universities and employers as it tests understanding and knowledge in many different ways. It has applicability in many related fields such as sports medicine, physiotherapy, sports management, teaching, journalism, psychology and sociological courses. Physical Education, Sports Science, Sports Medicine and Sports Management courses are some of the most popular courses applied for and are now widely found at major universities, with the most prestigious courses at establishments such as Loughborough, Birmingham, Durham and Exeter. The department will actively support students with the preparation of personal statements and UCAS applications. |
Recommended wider reading This is particularly relevant for those considering further study beyond A-level | General Texts
Advanced PE for OCR AS - Heinemann
Advanced PE and Sport A level - Nelson Thornes
Advanced Physical Education and Sport – Beashel and Taylor
Advanced PE and Sport - Honeybourne, Hill and Moors.
OCR PE for AS (2008) - Graham Thompson, Nesta Wiggins-James, Rob James
OCR PE for AS Dynamic Learning Network Edition CD-ROM (2008) - Graham Thompson, Nesta Wiggins-James, Rob James Anatomy and Physiology
Manual of Structural Kinesiology, Sixteenth Edition - Clem W. Thompson and R.T. Floyd.
Current Diagnosis and Treatment, Sports Medicine - McGraw Hill
Anatomy and Physiology - Seeley Stephens and Tate. McGraw Hill
Exercise Physiology – McArdle, Katch and Katch
Marieb Interactive Physiology CD ROM
www.bhf.org.uk British Heart Foundation website
www.brianmac.demon.co.uk Sport Physiology Website
http://www.powerbreathe.com Respiratory System
www.pennhealth.com Osteoporosis and joint injuries Acquisition of Skill
Acquiring Skill in Sport An Introduction – Honeybourne.
Motor Learning and Performance – Schmidt.
Motivation in Sport and Exercise – Roberts
Stress and Performance in Sport – Jones and Hardy
www.sportscoachuk.org Socio-Cultural Aspects
Promoting sport for disabled: www.youthinformation.com
Promoting women’s sport: www.wsf.org.uk
National curriculum for PE
Various Governing Body Websites
www.uksport.gov.uk
http://www.sportengland.org/
http://www.sports-council-wales.org.uk/
http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/
http://www.sportni.net/
www.national-lottery.co.uk
http://www.olympics.org.uk/home2.aspx
www.london2012.co.uk
All Physical Education students are advised to keep themselves informed, via quality newspapers and the Internet, about current affairs in sport as they relate to socio cultural themes and issues in particular. At A2 level, students are expected to supplement material covered in class with further information taken from a variety of sources. |