As from September 2008 the major change in this course is that a practical element becomes compulsory. This practical replaces the written coursework pieces and will account for 40 % of your final grade. The remaining 60 % is in the form of one written examination at AS, and another written examination at A2 level.
AS Outline
Practical:
Students will be assessed in their ability to perform effectively in TWO of the following roles, based on ONE chosen sport.
- As a practical performer in competitive and practice situations
- As an official / umpire / referee
- As a coach / teaching leader
All the practical will be internally marked and externally moderated
Theory / Written Examination:
At AS level there is one external written examination of 2 hours duration. It will be sat in the January of the U6th year. In Section A of the exam students will answer 2 questions on Applied Physiology, 2 questions on Skill Acquisition / Psychology and 2 questions on opportunities for participation. In Section B students will answer one question relating to the application of physiological and psychological knowledge to a practical sporting situation. The whole exam counts for 60 % of the final AS grade.
A2 Outline
Practical:
Students will be assessed on their ability to perform, analyse and evaluate their own performance in ONE of the following roles in ONE chosen sport.
- As a practical performer / player
- As an official / umpire / referee
- As a coach /teaching leader
The sport chosen at A2 can be the same one as that chosen for AS.
Theory / Written examination:
At A2 there is one final written exam of 2 hours duration, taken in May / June of the U6th year.
- In Section A students answer 2 questions on Applied Physiology and elite performance
- In Section B students answer 2 questions on Psychology and elite performance
- In Section C students answer 2 questions on Contemporary Influences on elite sport
- In Section D students answer 1 extended question on either Applied Physiology,
- Psychology or Contemporary Issues
Important General Points
- Just because the course has a practical element it should not be seen as an easy option. The theory work will be testing, but of considerable interest if you are keen on sport.
- There will be NO practical timetabled lessons in the course. It will be expected that your practical / coaching / officiating activities will operate via representative school or club teams.
- You do not need to be County or International standard to do well.
- Is it not essential to have done GCSE PE prior to taking this course.
- Modern professional sport is an increasingly large employer in one form or another, and there are a wide range of sport related courses on offer at many universities.
- Some of the issues covered will be complex and demanding, but past student feedback suggests that it will be a stimulating and rewarding course.
Exam board: AQA
Mr A J Whiteley
Head of Sport Studies