Introduction
The AQA GCE Physical Education course covers a wide variety of areas, including Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology, History, Socio-Cultural and Contemporary Issues. There is also a practical element to the course in which the students can undertake the roles of performer, official or leader/coach. The course is suitable for students who have a keen interest in Sport and Physiology or who may be looking forward to a career in sport, leisure or medicine.
Further Details
We strongly recommend that students should have a strong interest in Sport and Physical Education, as well as follow a variety of sports. It is useful, although not necessary, to have studied GCSE PE. Subjects that link particularly well with this course are Biology and Psychology. Each PE student is expected to represent the College on Wednesday afternoons in their chosen sport whenever possible. Some will be entered in the West Midlands Colleges Competitions and if successful, they will then represent West Midlands in the National Championships which takes place over two days at Loughborough University. Students will follow the Community Sports Leaders Award course (CSLA) as part of the AS PE course.
Progression Options
Students who are successful at AS level may wish to complete an additional year to achieve the A level qualification, from which higher study perhaps at degree level in this or a related area is a possibility. They may also get the opportunity to follow the Higher Sports Leaders Award (HSLA). Skills taught in the course, such as leadership and team work, are particularly valued within the leisure industry as well as by universities. A high proportion of students progress onto University to follow a Sports Science based degree or one within the teaching profession.
