Physical Education A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Students will study a variety of Anatomy and Physiology, Sport Psychology, Sport and Society, Biomechanics, Skill Acquisition, and Technology in Sport across a two year course. The course is assessed in the form of two exam papers, as well as a practical performance and a verbal or written analysis of performance.

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

What’s assessed?

Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology

Section B: Skill acquisition

Section C: Sport and society

How it is assessed:

•• Written exam: 2 hours

•• 105 marks

•• 35% of A Level

Questions

•• Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

•• Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

•• Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

What’s assessed?

Section A: Exercise physiology and biomechanics

Section B: Sport psychology

Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport

How it is assessed

•• Written exam: 2 hours

•• 105 marks

•• 35% of A Level

Questions

•• Section A: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

•• Section B: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

•• Section C: multiple choice, short answer and extended writing (35 marks)

Non-Examined Assessment:

Practical performance in physical activity and sport

What’s assessed?

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

Plus: written/verbal analysis of performance.

How it is assessed

•• Internal assessment, external moderation.

•• 90 marks

•• 30% of A Level

As above.

To study this course, you should have a Grade 6 in Physical Education at GCSE. Also, at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English and at least a Grade 6 in one of the Sciences. Students must also be engaged in sport at a competitive level.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses such as Science, which could lead onto Higher Education in areas of Sport Studies, Recreation, Exercise and Science, or more general Higher Education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Physical Education such as a Physiotherapist, Teacher, or Exercise and Fitness Trainer.