Physical Education / Sports Studies

Course summary

The A Level Physical Education course will build on the knowledge and understanding previously acquired at GCSE level. The content of the course will address physiological and psychological factors affecting performance, socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport, and contemporary topics in sport, such as the impact of ergogenic aids, technology, and the increasing commercialisation of sport. The topics taught are engaging (and challenging), and students can usually associate them with past experiences, social media, or just generally having an interest in sport. In addition to work in the classroom, the department has visited Surrey University and Go Perform, Reading to see at first-hand ‘the syllabus at work’, taking part and investigating the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of, for example, the human body, with the help of scientists and even professional athletes; opportunities like these help greatly with overall understanding.