AQA A-Level Physical Education
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The AQA A-Level Physical Education specification covers 56 topics with 1418 learning objectives (7582). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 56 topics
- 423 study pages
- 1418 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 1,266
- verified practice questions
- 471
- verified teaching notes
- 56
- topics
- 4
- explainer videos
- 5
- audio lessons
Your exams
- Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sportThursday, 20 May 2027, AM
- Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sportThursday, 27 May 2027, PM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical performance in physical activity and sport | - | 90 | 30% |
| Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport | 120 min | 105 | 35% |
| Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport | 120 min | 105 | 35% |
Explore your topics
56 topics
Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport21 topics
- Applied anatomy and physiology2 specification points covering Students should develop knowledge and understanding of the changes within the body systems prior to exercise, during…6 objectives · 1 study page
- Cardio-respiratory systemThe cardiovascular and respiratory systems integrate to meet exercise demands.3 objectives · 1 study page
- Cardiovascular system25 specification points covering Understanding of the impact of physical activity and sport on the health and fitness of the individual., Health (heart…75 objectives · 25 study pages
- Respiratory system17 specification points covering Understanding of lung volumes and the impact of and on physical activity and sport., Residual volume., Expiratory reserve…51 objectives · 17 study pages
- Neuromuscular system16 specification points covering Students should understand the relationship between the nervous and muscular systems and how changes within these systems…48 objectives · 16 study pages
- The musculo-skeletal system and analysis of movement in physical activities11 specification points covering Students should understand the relationship between the muscular and skeletal systems to meet the demands of exercise.33 objectives · 10 study pages
- Energy systems26 specification points covering Students should develop knowledge and understanding of energy systems prior to exercise, during exercise of differing…78 objectives · 26 study pages
- Skill acquisition2 specification points covering This section focuses on how skill is acquired and the impact of psychological factors on performance.6 objectives · 1 study page
- Skill, skill continuums and transfer of skills15 specification points covering Characteristics of skill., Use of skill continua., Open – closed.45 objectives · 14 study pages
- Impact of skill classification on structure of practice for learning10 specification points covering Methods of presenting practice., Whole., Progressive part.30 objectives · 10 study pages
- Principles and theories of learning and performance13 specification points covering Stages of learning and how feedback differs between the different stages of learning., Cognitive, associative, autonomous.,…39 objectives · 12 study pages
- Use of guidance and feedback12 specification points covering Methods of guidance., Verbal., Visual.36 objectives · 11 study pages
12 of 21 shown
Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport35 topics
- Exercise physiologyTraining and lifestyle both remodel the body's systems, and the exam asks you to link each structural or functional change to a gain in efficiency.3 objectives · 1 study page
- Diet and nutrition and their effect on physical activity and performance6 specification points covering Understand the exercise-related function of food classes., Carbohydrate., Fibre.19 objectives · 6 study pages
- Preparation and training methods in relation to maintaining physical activity and performance20 specification points covering Students should understand quantitative methods, the types and use of data for planning, monitoring and evaluating physical…60 objectives · 19 study pages
- Injury prevention and the rehabilitation of injury12 specification points covering Types of injury., Acute (fractures, dislocations, strains, sprains)., Chronic (achilles tendonitis, stress fracture,…36 objectives · 12 study pages
- Biomechanical movement2 specification points covering Students should develop knowledge and understanding of motion and forces, and their relevance to performance in physical…7 objectives · 1 study page
- Biomechanical principles7 specification points covering Newton’s Three Laws of linear motion applied to sporting movements., First law (inertia), second law (acceleration), third…22 objectives · 7 study pages
- Levers2 specification points covering Three classes of lever and examples of their use in the body during physical activity and sport., Mechanical advantage and…6 objectives · 2 study pages
- Linear motion7 specification points covering An understanding of the forces acting on a performer during linear motion., Gravity, frictional force, air resistance,…21 objectives · 7 study pages
- Angular motion4 specification points covering Application of Newton’s laws to angular motion., Definitions and units for angular motion., Angular displacement, angular…12 objectives · 4 study pages
- Projectile motion4 specification points covering Factors affecting horizontal displacement of projectiles., Factors affecting flight paths of different projectiles., Shot…12 objectives · 4 study pages
- Fluid mechanics6 specification points covering Dynamic fluid force., Drag and lift., Factors that reduce and increase drag and their application to sporting situations.18 objectives · 6 study pages
- Sport psychology2 specification points covering In this section students will develop knowledge and understanding of the role of sport psychology in optimising performance…6 objectives · 1 study page
12 of 35 shown
About this course
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
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 and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport. Analyse and evaluate performance.
Exam Structure
Practical performance in physical activity and sport
Not stated
Duration
90
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
2h
Duration
105
Marks
35%
Weighting
Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
2h
Duration
105
Marks
35%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Thinking heart rate returns to resting level immediately exercise stops; in fact it declines gradually, and the rate of decline depends on fitness and exercise intensity.
- •Confusing cardiac output with stroke volume; cardiac output is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, so it is always the larger quantity.
- •Assuming ventilation increases only by breathing faster; tidal volume also rises substantially, especially at moderate intensity.
- •Believing lactate is the sole cause of fatigue; hydrogen ion accumulation and other metabolic factors also contribute.
- •Describing the shape of the graph without quoting any values; marks depend on using specific data points as evidence.
- •Mixing up the energy systems, for example claiming the aerobic system dominates a 100 m sprint; match the system to the intensity and duration shown.
- •Ignoring the units on the axes, which leads to incorrect interpretation of the magnitude of change.
- •Treating recovery as an instant return to resting values rather than a gradual process with different rates for different variables.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •For multiple-choice items, eliminate options that reverse the direction of change, such as claiming stroke volume falls during exercise.
- •Check whether the question specifies pre-exercise, during exercise or recovery, because the correct response differs by phase.
- •Use the relationship cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume to test whether a numerical option is plausible.
- •Read the intensity qualifier carefully: low, moderate and maximal exercise produce different dominant mechanisms.
- •Plan your response by identifying the command word, the data source and the physiological systems the question targets.
- •Use data explicitly: quote values, times or gradients from the graph to support each point you make.
- •Structure extended answers around the phases shown, such as during exercise and during recovery, so every part of the question is addressed.
- •Define key terms briefly before applying them, which demonstrates understanding and keeps the explanation precise.
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