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Sport and PE A-Level

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Are you keen to learn more about sport science and psychology and how it is used to improve performance? Have you ever wondered why some sports people are paid so well and where the money comes from?

QMC has a fantastic reputation for its sporting programme, team successes and outstanding facilities. Progression rates into employment and higher education are exceptional as students leave with a comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of the subject, along with excellent coaching skills that are desired by the sports industry.

Sport & PE A Level

Course Summary

Are you keen to learn more about sport science and psychology and how it is used to improve performance? Have you ever wondered why some sports people are paid so well and where the money comes from?

The AQA A Level in Physical Education is an exciting, engaging course which is highly regarded by universities and employers. The course is varied and insightful, focusing on the body, how it performs and the role of sport within society.

There is an expectation that students will take part in sporting opportunities that are available to them to enhance their performance for assessment, for example by joining a QMC sports team or training/ competing or coaching regularly at a club.

The qualification sits well with a range of other A Levels including the sciences, maths and humanities.

Specific Entry Requirements

Standard Entry Requirements plus GCSE grade 5 in double Science.

Progression Skills and Opportunities

Throughout the course you will be challenged to develop a variety of high order skills which will support your achievement in the exams. With regards to your own practical performance you will learn how to make effective use of psychological theories that can lead to improvements in your sport. You will also learn how analyse and apply theories to evaluate aspects of your practical performance or your effectiveness as a coach.

This course provides you with a broad qualification that prepares you for further study or a career within the sport sector, including:

Sport and Recreation Facility Management
Coaching/Teaching/Training
Health Promotion
Sports Therapy
Fitness and Personal Training
Sports Development Officers

As well as sport in recent years students have gone on to study Biomedical Sciences, physiotherapy, economics, engineering, equine studies, English literature and a host of other subjects. Students have progressed into careers as diverse as physiotherapy, sports coaching, the police force as well as apprenticeship schemes with major accountancy and software firms.

How is the course assessed?

70% of the course is assessed through 2 exams at the end of the 2nd year. The remaining 30% is split evenly between a written piece of coursework and a practical assessment of your performance in one sport.

What topics will I be studying?

Exercise physiology, training and performance
Movement analysis, technology and biomechanics
Sports psychology
Skill acquisition
Sport and Society

Student Destinations

Molly Wateridge left QMC in July 2020 with A levels in PE, Maths and Chemistry. She is now studying physiotherapy at Cardiff University

Farah Wayman left QMC in July 2020 with A levels in PE, Biology and Psychology. She is now studying sports science at Leeds Beckett University

Ryan Knight left QMC in July 2019 with A levels in PE, maths and chemistry. He is currently studying Maths at Royal Holloway University.

Andrew Dingwall left in July 2019 QMC with A levels in PE, Business and Psychology. He is now working as a Cross-Functional Degree Apprentice at Cisco Systems

Zoe Gawn

The Sport & PE department have great teachers, all with excellent but different teaching styles. All of my teachers brought fun and learning together to make sure we understood everything. I really enjoyed the practicals and how they always related to the course. – Court Moor

Extra Opportunities

Alongside with your A Levels and vocational courses, QMC is the only college in the local area where you can qualify as a;
– Personal trainer
– Sports Coach
– Lifeguard

Other opportunities include First Aid Qualifications, Duke of Edinburgh (Silver and Gold Awards), Higher Sports Leader Award(HSLA), Team Games, Coaching, Participation Sports for All.

Personal Trainer
By the end of your first year you will be a fully qualified fitness instructor and ready to find part-time work in local fitness centres. By the end of your second year you will be a fully qualified personal trainer able to work in local fitness centres or with your own private clients. You will study for the qualifications one period a week and it fits easily onto your timetable.
(Cost £225. If you were to take this course with a private organisation it costs between £1500 and £2500)

Sports Coach
By the end of your first year you will have a Level 2 Qualification in Community Sports Leadership and will be able to find part-time work coaching in schools and the local community. By the end of the second year you will have a Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Multi-Skills Development in Sport and will be able to coach independently. You will study for the qualifications one period a week and it fits easily onto your timetable.

Life Guarding & First Aid
You will study for the qualifications one period a week and it fits easily onto your timetable. After you qualify you will be able to find part-time work in local leisure centres.

Duke of Edinburgh Award, Silver and Gold
It offers a life-changing experience and a fun time with friends. It is an opportunity to discover new interests and talents and a tool to develop essential skills for life and work. It is a recognised mark of achievement; respected by universities and employers.