Elite Performance

    AQA
    A-Level

    Analyze the structural and supportive mechanisms facilitating the transition from talent identification to elite-level success within the UK sporting framework. Evaluate the efficacy of the World Class Programme, the strategic role of UK Sport and National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and the integration of sports science and medicine in maximizing podium potential. Critically assess the socio-cultural factors, including funding models and talent development pathways, that determine international competitiveness.

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    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for explicit distinction between 'Podium' (medals within 4 years) and 'Podium Potential' (medals within 8 years) funding tiers within the World Class Programme.
    • Credit responses that identify the English Institute of Sport (EIS) as the provider of practical support services (physiotherapy, biomechanics, performance lifestyle) rather than a direct funding source.
    • Candidates must link the 'No Compromise' funding approach to its specific implications: the cutting of funding for sports failing to meet medal targets (e.g., Basketball).
    • Responses must accurately cite the National Lottery and Exchequer as the dual funding sources for UK Sport, explaining how this capital is distributed to NGBs via Whole Sport Plans.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have defined the role of UK Sport; to access higher marks, evaluate the potential negative impacts of their funding criteria on athlete welfare."
    • "Specify the exact support service provided by the EIS (e.g., biomechanics) rather than using generic terms like 'medical help'."
    • "Differentiate clearly between the funding body (UK Sport) and the delivery body (NGBs) in your analysis."
    • "Apply the concept of 'Talent Transfer' to the scenario to demonstrate AO2 application skills rather than just defining it."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit distinction between 'Podium' (medals within 4 years) and 'Podium Potential' (medals within 8 years) funding tiers within the World Class Programme.
    • Credit responses that identify the English Institute of Sport (EIS) as the provider of practical support services (physiotherapy, biomechanics, performance lifestyle) rather than a direct funding source.
    • Candidates must link the 'No Compromise' funding approach to its specific implications: the cutting of funding for sports failing to meet medal targets (e.g., Basketball).
    • Responses must accurately cite the National Lottery and Exchequer as the dual funding sources for UK Sport, explaining how this capital is distributed to NGBs via Whole Sport Plans.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 15-mark extended responses, structure the argument using the 'D-E-E' method: Define the agency (AO1), Explain its specific intervention in the scenario (AO2), and Evaluate its effectiveness or ethical implications (AO3).
    • 💡When discussing Talent Identification, explicitly reference the 'Tall and Talented' or 'Girls4Gold' campaigns as concrete evidence of Talent Transfer initiatives.
    • 💡Differentiate clearly between 'centralised' funding (paid to the NGB) and 'Athlete Performance Awards' (paid directly to the athlete for living costs).

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating the roles of UK Sport (elite funding/Olympic focus) and Sport England (grassroots participation/community focus).
    • Describing Talent Identification and Talent Development as interchangeable processes without acknowledging the distinct phases (Screening vs. Confirmation).
    • Failing to provide specific examples of support services (e.g., 'Performance Lifestyle') when discussing the EIS, relying instead on generic terms like 'medical help'.
    • Stating that NGBs decide funding levels, rather than explaining that they bid for funding from UK Sport based on performance targets.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Talent Identification and Development (TID) Pathways
    Institutional Roles (UK Sport, EIS, NGBs, BOA)
    The World Class Programme and Funding Models

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Analyse
    Evaluate
    Discuss
    Explain
    Identify

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