Can I use my own sport for the AQA A-Level PE practical assessment?

Yes, you can be assessed in almost any sport or activity from the DfE's approved list, as long as it can be replicated under controlled conditions. You will need to provide video evidence of your performance. The activity must be one you are actively involved in outside of school, as you will also write a detailed analysis and evaluation of your performance in that activity for the written part of the NEA.

How is the written coursework (analysis and evaluation) structured in AQA PE?

The non-exam assessment (NEA) written component requires you to produce a written analysis and evaluation of your own performance in one chosen activity. You will identify two weaknesses, explain how they affect performance using theoretical concepts, and design progressive practices to improve them. The work is internally assessed by your teacher and moderated by AQA. It is worth 45 marks, which is half of the NEA total.

What is the difference between AQA A-Level PE and other exam boards?

AQA's specification is often praised for its clarity and logical progression of topics. Compared to some other boards, AQA tends to have a stronger focus on applied anatomy and physiology, with detailed content on biomechanics. The assessment structure (70% exam, 30% NEA) is similar to OCR, but the exam question style may differ. AQA's questions are known for being direct and closely tied to the specification, which can make revision more predictable if you use official resources.

How difficult is it to get an A* in AQA A-Level PE?

Achieving an A* requires consistent high performance across all components. The grade boundaries for A* are typically around 70-75% of raw marks, but this varies each year. Success demands thorough theoretical knowledge, strong application skills to sporting contexts, and a high level of practical performance. Students who actively link theory to their own sporting experience and use past papers effectively tend to achieve the top grades.

What resources are available to help with AQA A-Level PE revision?

AQA provides a comprehensive range of free resources, including the full specification, past papers, mark schemes, examiner reports, and exemplar materials for the NEA. Additionally, there are endorsed textbooks from publishers like Hodder Education, as well as online platforms such as The PE Classroom and Quizlet that offer specification-specific revision tools. Many teachers also share resources via educational blogs and social media groups dedicated to AQA PE.

Physical Education AQA A-Level Topics & Revision

The AQA A-Level Physical Education specification covers 8 topics. Use MasteryMind to revise every topic with learning objectives, exam tips, and practice questions aligned to your exact specification.

Topics Covered

E2E stub topic
Applied anatomy and physiology
Skill acquisition
Sport and society
Sport psychology
Exercise physiology
Biomechanical movement
Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

Exam Tips for AQA A-Level Physical Education

When answering an essay question, clearly structure your response by identifying the activity's intensity and duration first, then discuss the relevant energy system contributions.
Use specific sporting examples and include numerical data (e.g., intensity percentages, time ranges) to support your explanations of the energy continuum.
Practice interpreting physiological data and graphs frequently.
Ensure clear understanding of the relationship between planes of movement and axes of rotation.
Use specific sporting examples to illustrate theoretical concepts.
Focus on the 'why' and 'how' of physiological changes rather than just recall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming one energy system works in complete isolation; students often forget that all three systems are active simultaneously, with one predominating.
Confusing the terms 'lactic acid' and 'lactate' and failing to distinguish the role of lactate as a fuel rather than purely a fatigue agent.
Misapplying the energy system duration boundaries, such as believing the aerobic system only engages after several minutes.
Confusing the roles of different receptors (chemoreceptors, proprioceptors, baroreceptors) in regulation.
Inaccurate application of joint actions to specific planes and axes.

Key Terms

ATP-PC system characteristics
Glycolytic system function
Aerobic energy production
Energy continuum interplay

Physical Education

AQA

A-Level

Specification: 7582

The AQA A-Level Physical Education specification covers 8 topics with 0 learning objectives (7582). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

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About AQA A-Level Physical Education

The AQA A-Level Physical Education course (7582) is a rigorous and comprehensive qualification that develops your theoretical understanding and practical performance in sport and physical activity. The specification is designed to give you a deep insight into the scientific, sociological and psychological factors that underpin performance, while also allowing you to demonstrate your own sporting abilities.

Over the two-year linear course, you will explore key themes such as applied anatomy and physiology, skill acquisition, sport and society, exercise physiology, biomechanical movement, sport psychology, and the role of technology in sport. The content is split into two theoretical exam papers and a practical non-exam assessment (NEA), ensuring a balanced approach that assesses both knowledge and physical competence.

This specification encourages you to become an informed performer, coach or official, with the ability to critically evaluate and improve performance. It is highly regarded by universities and employers, providing excellent preparation for further study or careers in sport, health and education sectors.

Assessment Structure

The qualification is assessed through two written exam papers and one non-exam assessment (NEA). Paper 1 (Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport) is a 2-hour written paper worth 105 marks, accounting for 35% of the A-level. Paper 2 (Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport) is also 2 hours and 105 marks, worth 35%. The NEA (practical performance and written analysis) is worth 90 marks, contributing the final 30%. The total maximum mark for the A-level is 300.

Why Choose AQA?

AQA provides a clear, logically structured specification that is well-resourced with past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports, making revision straightforward and focused.
The balance between theory and practical assessment (70% theory, 30% practical) allows you to showcase both academic understanding and sporting talent, which appeals to a wide range of students.
AQA is one of the most popular exam boards for A-Level PE, meaning teachers are experienced, and you benefit from a large community of learners and high-quality published resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment Objectives

AO1

23%-25%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

AO2

23%-25%

Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

AO3

23%-25%

Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

AO4

30%

• Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport • Analyse and evaluate performance

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

AQA

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Assuming one energy system works in complete isolation; students often forget that all three systems are active simultaneously, with one predominating.
•Confusing the terms 'lactic acid' and 'lactate' and failing to distinguish the role of lactate as a fuel rather than purely a fatigue agent.
•Misapplying the energy system duration boundaries, such as believing the aerobic system only engages after several minutes.
•Confusing the roles of different receptors (chemoreceptors, proprioceptors, baroreceptors) in regulation.
•Inaccurate application of joint actions to specific planes and axes.
•Failure to distinguish between the different energy systems and their specific contribution to exercise intensity.
•Misinterpreting graphs related to physiological responses.
•Confusing agonist/antagonist muscle roles in specific movements.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•When answering an essay question, clearly structure your response by identifying the activity's intensity and duration first, then discuss the relevant energy system contributions.
•Use specific sporting examples and include numerical data (e.g., intensity percentages, time ranges) to support your explanations of the energy continuum.
•Practice interpreting physiological data and graphs frequently.
•Ensure clear understanding of the relationship between planes of movement and axes of rotation.
•Use specific sporting examples to illustrate theoretical concepts.
•Focus on the 'why' and 'how' of physiological changes rather than just recall.
•Be prepared to link physiological knowledge to recovery and training adaptations.
•Practice interpreting physiological data and graphs frequently.

Specification Topics

8 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic examines the body's energy production mechanisms during physical activity, focusing on the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) resynthesis pathways. It explores the characteristics, fuel sources, and limitations of the ATP-PC, glycolytic, and aerobic systems, and how they integrate to meet energy demands. Understanding these systems is crucial for optimising training, performance analysis, and recovery strategies in sport and exercise.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives2 tips3 pitfalls

Applied anatomy and physiology

Applied anatomy and physiology covers the study of the musculo-skeletal, cardio-respiratory, and neuromuscular systems, as well as energy systems. It focuses on how these systems respond to exercise of varying intensities and durations, the recovery process, and the long-term adaptations resulting from training.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

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Physical Education

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Key Features

About AQA A-Level Physical Education

Assessment Structure

Why Choose AQA?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own sport for the AQA A-Level PE practical assessment?

How is the written coursework (analysis and evaluation) structured in AQA PE?

What is the difference between AQA A-Level PE and other exam boards?

How difficult is it to get an A* in AQA A-Level PE?

What resources are available to help with AQA A-Level PE revision?

Assessment Objectives

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

E2E stub topic

Applied anatomy and physiology

Skill acquisition

Sport and society

Sport psychology

Exercise physiology

Biomechanical movement

Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

Ready to master Physical Education?