What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Physical Education?

Draw and label diagrams to aid memory.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Physical Education? (2)

Use mnemonics for heart chambers and valves.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Physical Education? (3)

Relate concepts to exercise scenarios.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Physical Education? (4)

When comparing energy systems, use precise timings (e.g., ATP-PC: 0–10 seconds; glycolysis: 10–90 seconds; aerobic: >90 seconds) and support with sporting examples.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Physical Education? (5)

In extended responses, always discuss the interdependence of systems and the concept of threshold intensities (e.g., lactate threshold, VO2 max).

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Physical Education?

Confusing pulmonary and systemic circulation.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Physical Education? (2)

Omitting the role of haemoglobin.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Physical Education? (3)

Mixing up oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.

Physical Education

Pearson

A-Level

Specification: 601/8278/7

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

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

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

Pearson

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

•Confusing pulmonary and systemic circulation.
•Omitting the role of haemoglobin.
•Mixing up oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.
•Believing that the lactic acid system produces lactic acid rather than lactate, and attributing fatigue directly to lactate accumulation.
•Thinking that energy systems operate in isolation rather than as an integrated continuum.
•Confusing oxygen deficit with EPOC, and failing to distinguish between the fast and slow components of recovery.
•Assuming that aerobic metabolism only uses carbohydrates, ignoring the role of fats and proteins in prolonged exercise.
•Confusing origin and insertion of muscles.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Draw and label diagrams to aid memory.
•Use mnemonics for heart chambers and valves.
•Relate concepts to exercise scenarios.
•When comparing energy systems, use precise timings (e.g., ATP-PC: 0–10 seconds; glycolysis: 10–90 seconds; aerobic: >90 seconds) and support with sporting examples.
•In extended responses, always discuss the interdependence of systems and the concept of threshold intensities (e.g., lactate threshold, VO2 max).
•For EPOC questions, clearly separate the fast alactacid component and the slow lactacid component, referencing restoration processes and elevated heart rate/temperature.
•Use diagrams to label bones and muscles.
•Learn muscle actions for common exercises.

Specification Topics

7 topics

Applied anatomy and physiology

This topic covers the structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, including the heart, lungs, and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It is fundamental to understanding exercise physiology.

Cardiovascular and respiratory systems, Skeletal and muscular systems, Energy systems

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls3 subtopics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic focuses on the body's energy systems during physical activity, examining how ATP is resynthesised through the ATP-PC system, anaerobic glycolysis, and aerobic metabolism. It explores the interplay of these systems across different exercise intensities and durations, leading to the concept of the energy continuum. Understanding these processes is vital for analysing performance, prescribing training, and explaining recovery phenomena such as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

Skill acquisition

This topic explores different practice methods (whole, part, variable, etc.) used in skill acquisition. It requires describing each method and justifying their use for different types of skills.

Types and methods of practice, Transfer of learning, Classification of skills

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls3 subtopics

Sport and society

Sport and the media have a symbiotic relationship, with media influencing participation and commercialisation. This unit explores this relationship and evaluates its effects.

Sport and the media, Emergence and evolution of modern sport, Sport and deviance

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls3 subtopics

Exercise physiology

This topic explores the causes of fatigue during exercise and effective recovery strategies. It covers physiological mechanisms of fatigue and methods such as nutrition, rest, and active recovery to enhance performance.

Fatigue and recovery, Training methods and their effects, Physiological adaptations to training

0 objectives8 tips9 pitfalls3 subtopics

Biomechanics

Fluid mechanics in biomechanics explains factors affecting drag and lift in sport and applies Bernoulli's principle. Learners understand how fluid forces influence performance in activities like swimming, cycling, and ball sports.

Fluid mechanics, Linear motion, Angular motion

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls3 subtopics

Sport psychology

This topic covers personality theories (trait, social learning, interactionist) and motivation types (intrinsic, extrinsic) in sport psychology. Learners will understand how these factors influence athletic performance.

Personality and motivation, Arousal, anxiety, and stress, Group dynamics and leadership

0 objectives9 tips9 pitfalls3 subtopics

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