Physical Education A Level

Applications Open - 3 November 2025

Applications Close - 17 July 2026

Entry Requirements - Applications are considered on an individual basis.

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

EDEXCEL’s GCE in Physical Education comprises four components and can either be taken as an AS course or a full A-Level. The course is 70% theory and 30% coursework/practical based.

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/physical-education-2016.html

Component 1: Scientific Principles of Physical Education

(40%, written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes)

Topic 1: Applied anatomy and physiology

- Muscular-skeletal system

- Cardio-respiratory system

- Neuromuscular system

- Energy systems

Topic 2: Exercise physiology and applied movement analysis

- Diet & nutrition

- Training and preparation for performance

Component 2: Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education

Topic 3: Skill acquisition

Topic 4: Sport psychology

Topic 5: Sport & society

Component 3: Practical performance

Assessed in one practical sport from the set list provided by the DfE.

Component 4: Performance Analysis and Performance Development Programme

Analysis performance and develop an exercise programme to improve performance.

Overall Assessment will take place at the end of the 2nd year of the course.

Component 1: Scientific Principles of Physical Education

- 40% value

- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes

- May/June exam series

Component 2: Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education

- 30% value

- Written exam: 2 hours

- May/June exam series

Component 3: Practical performance

- 15% value

- Internally marked (non-examined), externally moderated

- March-May moderation window (live and/or video)

Component 4: Performance Analysis and Performance Development Programme

- 15% value

- Internally marked (non-examined), externally moderated

- May moderation date

Students must achieve a minimum grade 5 in both GCSE PE and a grade 5 in English (not either one).

Students who did not complete the GCSE PE course but achieved grades 5 and above in all other subjects, especially Science and English will be considered.