Physical Education A Level 3

Applications Open – 21st November 2025

Applications Close – 30th April 2026

Entry Requirements – At least 5 GCSE passes at grades 9-5 in the new qualifications (or A*- B grade in the old GCSEs) including English (either Literature or Language if both were taken) and mathematics.

Preference on Advanced Level courses will be given to those students securing at least a grade 6 (or grade B in the old GCSE assessment system) in the subject they wish to study.

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

COURSE - The A Level course builds on work started at GCSE. There is a strong element of applying theory to practice. Students should be willing to participate in practical activities, which are used to illustrate theoretical concepts. A-level students are expected to commit themselves to school sport, whether playing, coaching, or officiating.

A Level Units are split into 2 examination papers and a practical assessment

Paper 1 – Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport (35% of A Level)

Topic list

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Skill acquisition
• Sport and society

Paper 2 – Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport (35% of A Level)

Topic list

• Exercise physiology
• Biomechanical movement
• Sport psychology
• Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

Practical Unit – Practical performance in physical activity and sport (30% of A Level)

ASSESSMENT – Students are assessed in two end of course exams (70%) as well a written analysis of their own performance (15%). Practical performance is also assessed in one sport (15%).

ADMISSIONS - Students will preferably have studied GCSE Physical Education and achieved at least a grade 6 in the theory paper or within one of their Sciences.

CAREERS - Careers in sport related subjects are the biggest growth area at present and include sports management, physiotherapy, coaching, teaching, sports administration, sport and technology