PE A level

Applications Open: 27/11/25

Applications Close: 31/01/26

Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE passes at grade 6 or above including grade 5s in Maths and either English Literature or Language.

How to Apply: Online application using Applicca - https://rochestergrammarschool.applicaa.com/applicaa.com/Year12

Applied anatomy and physiology

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the changes within the body systems prior to exercise, during exercise of differing intensities and during recovery. Students should be able to interpret data and graphs relating to changes within the musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory and neuro-muscular systems and the use of energy.

Skill acquisition

This section focuses on how skill is acquired and the impact of psychological factors on performance. Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the principles required to optimise learning of new, and the development of existing, skills in a range of physical activities. Students should be able to understand and interpret graphical representations associated with skill acquisition theories.

Sport and society

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the interaction between, and the evolution of, sport and society. Students should be able to understand, interpret and analyse data and graphs relating to participation in physical activity and sport.

Exercise physiology

Students should understand the adaptations to the body systems through training or lifestyle, and how these changes affect the efficiency of those systems.

Biomechanical movement

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of motion and forces, and their relevance to performance in physical activity and sport.

Students should have a knowledge and use of biomechanical definitions, equations, formulae and units of measurement and demonstrate the ability to plot, label and interpret biomechanical graphs and diagrams.

Sport psychology

In this section students will develop knowledge and understanding of the role of sport psychology in optimising performance in physical activity and sport. Students should be able to understand and interpret graphical representations associated with sport psychology theories.

Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the interaction between, and the evolution of, sport and society and the technological developments in physical activity and sport.

Paper 1: Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Activity & Sport

What's Assessed:

• Section A: Applied Anatomy & Physiology

• Section B: Skill Acquisition

• Section C: Sport & Society

Written Exam – 2 hours worth 35% of A-Level

Paper 2: Factors Affecting Optimal Performance Physical Activity & Sport

• Section A: Exercise Physiology & Biomechanics

• Section B :Sport Psychology

• Section C: Sport & Society & Technology

Written Exam – 2 hours worth 35% of A-Level

Non-Exam Assessments: Practical Performance in Physical Activity & Sport

• Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity.

• Written/Verbal analysis of performance.

NEA Internal assessment and external moderation worth 30% of A-Level

GCSE grade 6 in PE OR grade 6 in English and Science

In addition, students must represent either a school or club consistently in one sport.