Sport Studies

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.

This exam may be
re-sat in the summer if required.

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

PDF file:

Subjects on offer

A Level Subjects:
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Subjects
Economics
English Literature
French
Geography
German
History
Mathematics/Further Maths
Music
Music Technology
Philosophy & Ethics
Physics
Politics
Product Design
Spanish
Sport Studies
Theatre Studies

AS Level Subjects:
Electronics
ICT
Italian (GCSE/AS)