Physical Education & the Study of Sport

The Subject

Collingham has membership of the Imperial College Sports Club and students may use the excellent facilities in Exhibition Road at any time. There is a 25m pool, training and weights gym, squash and tennis courts, aerobic classes and saunas and steam rooms. Training regimes may be supervised by tutors.

 

Why Study?

Being an able sports person is a definite advantage to anyone choosing this A level, since the practical ability component is worth 30%. Ideally candidates would take part in regular competitive sport outside of Collingham, as video evidence is required for two activities. A good background in Biology and Psychology will be useful, since the component on Anatomical, Physiological and Psychological issues makes up 40% of the A level. Also a general interest in sport and it’s coverage by the media is important, with this relating to the component looking at Contemporary, Sociological and Historical aspects of sport, which covers the final 30% of the overall mark.

Continuing with the subject to degree level may lead the candidate into a variety of careers, such as sports coaching, sports psychology, physiotherapy and a range of opportunities within the leisure and recreation sector.

 

The course

The assessment of Sports Studies involves three broad topics: Historical, Social and Cultural aspects, Psychological aspects, and Anatomical and Physiological Aspects of Sport and Physical Education.

The AS Examination takes the form of three units taken over the first year:

Unit 1: Physiological and Psychological Factors which Improve Performance.
Unit 2: Socio-Cultural and Historical Effects on Participation in Physical Activity and their Influence on Performance.
Unit 3: Coursework – Analysis and Evaluation of the Factors which Improve Performance. The full A level comprises a further three units taken in the second year:
Unit 4: Physiological, Biomechanical and Psychological Factors which Optimise Performance.
Unit 5: (a) Factors Affecting the Nature and Development of Elite Performance. (b) Synoptic Assessment.
Unit 6: Coursework – Analysis & Critical Evaluation of Factors which Optimise Performance AND Synoptic Assignment.

 

Preferred Board: AQA