PHYSICAL EDUCATION A Level 3

Applications Open: - now open

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 7th January 2027, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

At least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and a grade 4 in Mathematics

Meet the entry requirements for at least 3 full A Level / vocational subjects. Each subject has its own specific entry criteria. These can be found on the individual subject pages.

Additional considerations

A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

The A level Physical Education course, using the AQA Board syllabus is now offered as part of the Dover Grammar School for Girls A Level curriculum. From September 2016 the full 2 year A level course will be offered. Interested students must have at least one sport that can be offered to a proficient standard (at least club/county level) and must possess vital independent study skills. The varied scientific and humanities based background knowledge that the course requires, means that students should also have obtained a grade B or above in a Science subject at GCSE level. The demands of the course are rigorous, requiring practical skill development to take place in the students own time as well as a strong commitment to complete extended reading and course work during independent study.

In Year 1, this specification will develop knowledge and skills to help understand the opportunities for and effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Candidates will be given the opportunity to build on their experience and improve their personal skills/techniques across a variety of roles in a sport of their choice to improve performance.

An end of year assessment will consist of a written paper (unit 1) in three sections:

• Section A Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Section B Skills Acquisition
• Section C Sport and Society

The practical moderation is internally assessed in either of the following ways:

• Candidates are assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in isolation and in structured practice.
• As a player/performer and in an adopted role of coach from a chosen physical activity in its full sided version.

In Year 2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their understanding of physiological, psychological and biomechanical aspects that optimise performance. Candidates will also explore and evaluate the impact of contemporary issues such as technology on sport and the performer. Candidates will be given the opportunity to utilise their own knowledge and understanding developed during the course to improve their own personal performance, as a practical performer or coach/leader.

A final examination of BOTH years work will be taken in externally set written papers.There will also be an external moderator’s visit to assess the practical performance.

This external examination consists of 2 written papers with 3 sections:

PAPER 1 – Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

Written exam – 2 hours – 105 marks – 35% of A-Level Questions

• Section A Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Section B Skill Acquisition
• Section C Sport and Society

PAPER 2- Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

Written exam – 2 hours – 105 marks – 35% of A-Level Questions

• Section A Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics
• Section B Sport Psychology
• Section C Sport and Society and Technology in sport

Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport

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

Plus: written/verbal analysis of performance.

How is it assessed?

Internal assessment, external moderation

90 marks

30% of A-level Total 300 marks

In Year 1, this specification will develop knowledge and skills to help understand the opportunities for and effects of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Candidates will be given the opportunity to build on their experience and improve their personal skills/techniques across a variety of roles in a sport of their choice to improve performance.

An end of year assessment will consist of a written paper (unit 1) in three sections:

• Section A Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Section B Skills Acquisition
• Section C Sport and Society

The practical moderation is internally assessed in either of the following ways:

• Candidates are assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate the execution of core skills/techniques in isolation and in structured practice.
• As a player/performer and in an adopted role of coach from a chosen physical activity in its full sided version.

In Year 2, the specification enables candidates to further develop their understanding of physiological, psychological and biomechanical aspects that optimise performance. Candidates will also explore and evaluate the impact of contemporary issues such as technology on sport and the performer. Candidates will be given the opportunity to utilise their own knowledge and understanding developed during the course to improve their own personal performance, as a practical performer or coach/leader.

A final examination of BOTH years work will be taken in externally set written papers.There will also be an external moderator’s visit to assess the practical performance.

This external examination consists of 2 written papers with 3 sections:

PAPER 1 – Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

Written exam – 2 hours – 105 marks – 35% of A-Level Questions

• Section A Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Section B Skill Acquisition
• Section C Sport and Society

PAPER 2- Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

Written exam – 2 hours – 105 marks – 35% of A-Level Questions

• Section A Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics
• Section B Sport Psychology
• Section C Sport and Society and Technology in sport

Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport

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

Plus: written/verbal analysis of performance.

How is it assessed?

Internal assessment, external moderation

90 marks

30% of A-level Total 300 marks

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

Interested students must have at least one sport that can be offered to a proficient standard (at least club/county level) and must possess vital independent study skills. The varied scientific and humanities based background knowledge that the course requires, means that students should ideally also have obtained a grade 5 or 6 or above in a Science subject at GCSE level.