Physical Education A Level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

A-Level linear course

This is a highly regarded qualification for all those who wish to pursue further education and/or a career related to the Sports and Fitness Industry. The course also develops students understanding of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle, which would be a huge benefit to any career or further education programme.

The theoretical course content for AQA:

Paper 1 –

• Applied anatomy and physiology

• Skill acquisition and

• Sport and society

Paper 2 –

• Exercise physiology

• Biomechanics

• Sport psychology and

• Sport and society and technology in sport

The non-examined assessment content:

Students will choose to follow one chosen activity from the prescript list provided by the Department for Education, as a player/performer or coach.

Activity list:

Boxing, Football, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Canoeing, Cricket, Cycling, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Gaelic Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Hurling, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Netball, Rock Climbing, Rowing, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Sculling, Skiing, Snowboarding, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Trampolining, Volleyball, Blind Cricket, Boccia, Goal Ball, Powerchair Football, Polybat, Table Cricket, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Football or Wheelchair Rugby

The students will work on core skills performed in various conditioned situations and performance in the full competitive scenario.

The coursework will be a written document of approximately 3500words which will focus on the analysis and evaluation of a chosen performance. The document will focus on the theoretical application to practical scenarios

Theoretical Assessment, the weighting for both boards is 70% of the final grade:

AQA details:

• Paper 1 (35% weighting)- Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

• Paper 2 (35% weighting)– Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

• Non-examined Assessment (Practical and Coursework), the weighting for both boards is 30% of the overall grade

Students will be assessed in core skills for their activity and then in the full competitive situation.

Example 1: Football will be assessed by looking at attacking skills, defensive skills and tactics and strategies.

Example 2: Trampolining skills will be assessed through a compulsory routine, a voluntary routine and finally the use of choreographical strategies.

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 6 in GCSE PE

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

Students with Advanced level GCE Physical Education have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. You learn and use a variety of transferable skills throughout the course. These include collecting, analysing and interpreting data, communicating your findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subject. These skills are in great demand by employers, universities and colleges. Physical education combines with a range of Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE subjects. It supports applications for a wide range of university courses like sports sciences, physiotherapy, recreation and leisure studies and there are many new and exciting courses related to sport throughout higher education. Many students choose to use their qualification to go straight into employment, rather than go on to higher education. As Advanced Level GCE Physical Education develop the transferable skills and the Key Skills that employers are looking for, they can lead to a very wide range of employment opportunities. This can include further training in such areas as recreational management, leisure activities, armed forces and the Civil Service.