specification overview
AQA A-Level Physical Education (7582) is a two-year linear qualification split between two written papers (35% each) and a non-exam assessment (30%). The NEA combines practical performance in one sport with an analysis and evaluation of performance for improvement, which may be completed verbally as an interview or as a written piece of work.
subject content
1. Applied anatomy and physiology
Paper 1- Skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory systems
- Energy systems
2. Skill acquisition
Paper 1- Skill classification, learning theories, feedback
- Transfer of skill, guidance, practice methods and memory models
3. Sport and society
Paper 1- Emergence of modern sport
- Sociocultural influences on sport participation
4. Exercise physiology and biomechanical movement
Paper 2- Diet, nutrition, ergogenic aids
- Injury prevention and the rehabilitation of injury
- Biomechanical principles, projectile motion, fluid mechanics
5. Sport psychology
Paper 2- Motivation, arousal, anxiety and aggression
- Group dynamics, leadership, stress management
6. Sport and society and the role of technology
Paper 2- Commercialisation and media in sport
- Technology's impact on performance and spectatorship
7. Practical performance (NEA)
NEA- Performance as player/performer or coach in one activity
- Performance Analysis Assessment (PAA): analysis and evaluation, completed as an interview or as written work
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport) | Applied anatomy and physiology, skill acquisition, sport and society | 2h | 105 | 35% | Multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing |
| Paper 2 (Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport) | Exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, technology in sport | 2h | 105 | 35% | Multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing |
| Non-exam assessment (Practical Performance + PAA) | Performance in one activity + Performance Analysis Assessment (analysis and evaluation, completed verbally as an interview or as written work) | Coursework | 90 | 30% | Practical performance 45 marks (3 areas of assessment x 15) + Performance Analysis Assessment 45 marks (Analysis 20 + Evaluation 25) |
NEA students choose ONE activity from the AQA-approved list to perform as a player/performer or coach (no officiator role at A-Level). The Performance Analysis Assessment (PAA) may be completed verbally as an interview or as a written piece of work, and the analysis and evaluation sections can use different formats. The activity used for the analysis and evaluation does not have to be the same activity as the assessed practical performance.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 22-25% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 22-25% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 22-25% |
| AO4 | Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport. Analyse and evaluate performance. (NEA only.) | 30% |
key tips for success
Pick your NEA activity carefully
You perform in one activity for the NEA, chosen from AQA's approved list, as player/performer or coach (no officiator role). The practical performance is worth 45 marks (15% of the qualification).
Start the PAA in year 12
The Performance Analysis Assessment (PAA) is worth 45 marks (Analysis 20 + Evaluation 25) and can be completed verbally as an interview or in writing. Start scoping it early, drawing on your practical performances.
Master anatomy and physiology diagrams
Paper 1 tests skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Learn to draw labelled diagrams and explain function under pressure.
Learn the theorists
Sport psychology sections need named theorists (Weiner's attribution theory, Fiedler's contingency, Bandura's self-efficacy). Learn each theory and be ready to apply to case studies.
Practise biomechanics calculations
Paper 2 includes projectile motion, angular motion, fluid mechanics. Learn key equations and practise calculation questions.
Structure extended-response answers
AO3 (22-25%) rewards analysis and evaluation on the written papers. Every extended answer needs a clear argument, applied examples and a considered judgement.
Where to next
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