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Physical Education

A Level Physical Education

What is it about at sixth-form level?

Studying A Level Physical Education will give you a fantastic insight into the amazing world of sports participation and performance. A level PE is a diverse subject covering a wide range of different topics. The students will look at how the body works when we are exercising and how the mind works to allow is to optimise our performance. They will also investigate the history of sport and how sport has developed into how we know it today. They will look at all levels of sport including from participation to elite level athletes and how we learn the skills necessary to reach the highest levels.

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Lower sixth
Upper sixth

Why study it and what skills does it develop?

PE is a facilitating subject as you are going to study topics from across a range of subject areas such as anatomy and physiology and sports psychology. You will learn how to assesses synoptically and be asked to link issues across topics which are key skill universities are looking for.

What prior knowledge and skills are required?

Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and Science would be advisable, but not essential. You should have an interest in a broad range of sports and the related issues. For the practical element 15% of the grade is based on your ability to perform or coach a sport. Having previous experience of playing or coaching at a good standard would be advantageous.

How is the course assessed?

A level

At the end of the course the students will sit two written exams – Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport and Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport. In each paper students will answer questions on the topics they have studied. Question types include multiple choice, short answer and extended writing in the form of 8 and 15-mark questions. Each exam lasts 2 hours and is worth 35% of the A level.

In addition, there is a non-exam assessment whereby students are assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity. Plus: written/verbal analysis of performance. It’s assessed via Internal assessment, external moderation and is worth 30% of the A-level.

Reading

AQA A-level PE (Year 1 and Year 2)
By D. Cox
Published by Osborne Books, ISBN 978-1905777143

By Carl Atherton (Author), Sue Young
(Author), Ross Howitt (Author)

"I have really enjoyed my time MPW and would recommend this college to anyone. I learnt how to work more efficiently and revise more effectively thanks to the tutorials and weekly Timed Assignments, which also allowed me to prepare myself mentally for the exams from the first day. My history teacher was phenomenal. He managed to get me to reengage with the subject, as well as giving me all the support and help I asked for and more, giving me the knowledge and exams technique needed to achieve an A*."

Samuel

Grades achieved at MPW: A*AA Progressed to: Exeter University (International Relations)

"The small class sizes proved invaluable for a number of reasons, some of which I did not anticipate. Aside from the obvious individual attention, the size of the class allowed for a lot of students’ questions to turn into a fruitful academic discussion. I have found the atmosphere at the college far more friendly and supportive than I expected. The support I had from my Personal Tutor was very helpful during the application process for university. I could tell that he really did care about my future and wanted to do everything he could in order to help me secure my place at my chosen university. Overall, I am pleased to say that my high expectations of MPW were fully met."

Mark

Grades achieved at MPW: AAB Progressed to: Southampton University (Business Innovation)

"I have definitely made the right decision to come to MPW - my grades have gone from averaging Es to straight As. Teaching at MPW is much more personal and I felt like talking to teachers. They are very good and give you lots of support if you do not understand something. My Personal Tutor took me through the UCAS process step by step. We went through my Personal Statement many times to make sure it was completely perfect. I am very excited about my firm choice."

Matthew

Grades achieved at MPW: AAA Progressed to: Warwick University (Chemistry)

"As a dyslexic student who initially got CCEE for my AS, I was convinced that I could not achieve any higher. My time at MPW proved me wrong. Initially I was reluctant to move from my local school in York to a college so far away from home, my parents, and friends. At the end of my first year I was overjoyed to find that many hours of hard work and renewed revision techniques had resulted in me achieving three A's in my subjects. I wanted to continue at A2 as I knew it would greatly improve my university prospects and encourage me to work even harder. After two fantastic years at MPW I can emphatically say that going to MPW was the best decision I ever made."

Gabriel

Grades achieved at MPW: AAA Progressed to: Nottingham University (Philosophy)

"Having a Personal Tutor to discuss ANYTHING with, from my UCAS application to organising my life in general, really did make life at the college more streamlined and in general less stressful."

Andrew

Grades achieved at MPW: A*AA Progressed to: University of York (Law)

"Honestly, I could not imagine when I joined MPW that, due to language and adaptation barriers, I would achieve top grades in my first A-level exam sittings. This view changed completely after only a few weeks in the college’s supportive and motivational environment; with teachers who aimed at finding a personal touch with each student and with my Personal Tutor who made my adjustment to the UK education system not only an easy step in my life but, more importantly, an enjoyable one."

Anastasia

Grades achieved at MPW: A*A*A* Progressed to: University College London (Economics)

"International students have many aspects to think about, such as accommodation and guardians, but MPW surprised me by having a highly organised and supportive administration. Also, because most MPW Cambridge students are local, as an ‘international’ student, I found this very useful in both improving my English and in giving me a taste of a genuinely ‘English’ college."

Akmaral

Grades achieved at MPW: A*A*A* Progressed to: University College London (Mathematics and Statistics)

"The teachers really helped me overcome any difficulties I came across; they always seemed willing to offer support be it inside or outside of the classroom. I could safely say my teachers inspired me to work hard and aim for the best, sometimes simply by being passionate about what they do."

Julia

Grades achieved at MPW: A*AABB Progressed to: King's College London (International Relations)

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