PHYSICAL EDUCATION: AS + A2 LEVEL [AQA]

AS Course Aims

• To develop knowledge and skills to help understand the opportunities for and effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
• To give students the opportunity to build on their experience and improve their personal skills/techniques across a variety of roles, in a sport of their choice, to improve performance.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Opportunities for and the effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle

Topic list

• The physiological effects of adopting a healthy lifestyle
• The short term effect of exercise/performance and the long term effects of training
• Analysis of movement across a range of sporting actions
• Acquisition of skills and the impact of psychological factors on performance
• Opportunities for physical activity, benefits to the individual and society and the potential barriers faced by minority groups.

 Assessment:

Candidates are required to answer seven questions from section A and one from section B.

Section A will require candidates to answer questions on applied physiology, skill acquisition and opportunities for participation.

Section B will examine the application of theoretical knowledge to a practical situation.

Unit 2: Analysis and evaluation of physical activity as performer and/or in an adopted role/s

Topic list

• Execution of skills/techniques in two roles (performer, official/referee/umpire/judge or leader/coach) in a chosen physical activity
• Analysis of own performance
• Application of theoretical knowledge to achieve effective performance

 Assessment:

Candidates are assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in isolation and a structured practice as either: a player/performer and in an adopted role or in two adopted roles

Section A requires candidates to be assessed on their ability in two from a choice of three roles.

Section B will look at the theoretical factors that improve performance. Candidates are assessed on this element through the section B question in Unit 1.

A2 Course Aims

• To enable candidates to further develop their understanding of key philosophical concepts, themes, texts and techniques
• To give students the opportunity to specialise further, selecting two themes to study in depth and focusing on philosophical problems through the study of a key text. Problem areas relate directly to other areas of the specification and candidates will be able to draw on, develop and apply material from both the AS and A2 modules

The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Optimising performance and evaluating contemporary issues within sport

Topic list

• Energy sources and systems
• Elite preparation and training
• Specialised training and sports injuries
• The use of psychological theories and techniques to optimise performance
• Concepts and characteristics of World Games and their impact on the state and individual
• Development and impact of sports technology on performers, equipment and facilities
• The development of sport from rational recreation to its modern day format

Assessment:

Candidates are required to answer six questions, two from Section A, two from Section B and two from Section C.

Section A looks at how the application of physiological factors can optimise performance
Section B looks at how the application of physiological knowledge can optimise performance
Section C evaluates contemporary influences in sport and their impact on the performer

Unit 4: Optimising practical performance in a competitive situation

Topic list

• Optimising performance in competitive or performance conditions in one role
• Evaluation of own performance in identifying weaknesses
• Suggesting cause of own weakness and an appropriate corrective measure

Assessment

Internal assessment with external moderation: 120 marks
Weighting:	20% of total A-Level marks

Candidates are assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate their own performance of the core skills/techniques in a competitive situation as either a player/performer or in an adopted role.  Then, using their knowledge and understanding identify their weaknesses; suggest the causes of these weaknesses and appropriate corrective measures.