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

Always link physiological theory directly to sporting examples to demonstrate applied understanding.

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

When evaluating training methods, refer to scientific evidence and consider both positive and negative aspects.

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

Use specific sporting examples to illustrate psychological theories

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

Ensure technical terminology is used accurately when describing theories

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

Be prepared to interpret graphical representations of psychological theories

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

Confusing acute responses (e.g., increased heart rate during exercise) with chronic adaptations (e.g., resting bradycardia).

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

Failing to consider individual differences when designing training programmes, leading to generic prescriptions.

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

Confusing aggression with assertion

Physical Education

WJEC

A-Level

Specification: WJEC-A-Level-Physical-Education

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

6

Topics

0

Objectives

27

Exam Tips

32

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

WJEC

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 acute responses (e.g., increased heart rate during exercise) with chronic adaptations (e.g., resting bradycardia).
•Failing to consider individual differences when designing training programmes, leading to generic prescriptions.
•Confusing aggression with assertion
•Misapplying the different theories of arousal to specific sporting contexts
•Failing to link personality profiling methods to their specific benefits and limitations
•Confusing trait and state anxiety
•Misunderstanding the difference between social loafing and the Ringlemann effect
•Incorrectly applying attribution theory to explain outcomes

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always link physiological theory directly to sporting examples to demonstrate applied understanding.
•When evaluating training methods, refer to scientific evidence and consider both positive and negative aspects.
•Use specific sporting examples to illustrate psychological theories
•Ensure technical terminology is used accurately when describing theories
•Be prepared to interpret graphical representations of psychological theories
•Link psychological concepts to performance improvement strategies
•When discussing goal setting, ensure the SMART approach is explicitly referenced
•Use specific sporting examples to illustrate psychological theories

Specification Topics

6 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic examines the acute and chronic physiological adaptations to exercise, focusing on cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems. Learners develop an understanding of how training principles are applied to enhance performance in specific sporting contexts. Practical application involves designing evidence-based training programmes to meet individual athlete needs.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives2 tips2 pitfalls

Movement analysis, technology and biomechanics

The Sport psychology area of study focuses on the psychological factors that influence performance in physical activity and sport, including personality, attitudes, goal setting, stress, arousal, anxiety, motivation, aggression, social facilitation, group dynamics, leadership, attribution theory, and self-efficacy.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Exercise physiology, training and performance

The Sport psychology area of study focuses on the psychological factors that influence performance in physical activity and sport, including personality, attitudes, goal setting, stress, arousal, anxiety, motivation, aggression, social facilitation, group dynamics, leadership, attribution theory, and self-efficacy.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Sport psychology

The Sport psychology area of study focuses on the psychological factors that influence performance in physical activity and sport, including personality, attitudes, goal setting, stress, arousal, anxiety, motivation, aggression, social facilitation, group dynamics, leadership, attribution theory, and self-efficacy.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Skill acquisition

The Sport psychology area of study focuses on the psychological factors that influence performance in physical activity and sport, including personality, attitudes, goal setting, stress, arousal, anxiety, motivation, aggression, social facilitation, group dynamics, leadership, attribution theory, and self-efficacy.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Sport and society

The Sport psychology area of study focuses on the psychological factors that influence performance in physical activity and sport, including personality, attitudes, goal setting, stress, arousal, anxiety, motivation, aggression, social facilitation, group dynamics, leadership, attribution theory, and self-efficacy.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Physical Education

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Key Features

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

Movement analysis, technology and biomechanics

Exercise physiology, training and performance

Sport psychology

Skill acquisition

Sport and society

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