A Level Course Guide 2020

Sports Science AQA

S P O R T S S C I E N C E

Every major international sporting competition that we eagerly watch and feel a small part of highlights the phenomenal levels of finance and scientific support that today’s elite athletes require. A Level Sports Science is specifically designed for those with the desire to understand and explain the scientific theory behind these performances and how they can be improved upon even further. When billions of pounds are at stake nothing is left to chance and pupils will be able to study the scientific, political and economic factors that play such a vital role in the preparation of elite athletes from all corners of the world. Sports Science has a multi-disciplinary approach allowing pupils to analyse the effects of Physiology, Psychology and Socio-Cultural factors on performance and participation, both at recreational and elite levels. Pupils commence with varying ranges of experience and expertise but all have a common enthusiasm for and enjoyment of the subject. Our A Level Sports Science qualification allows pupils to play to their strengths and gain dynamic theoretical and practical skills for further education or work. The topics studied over the course of the two years in each discipline and the structure of the course is outlined below.

Physiology and Mechanics Psychology

Socio-Cultural

• Cardiovascular system • Respiratory system • Neuromuscular function • Kinesiology • Energy systems • Diet and nutrition • Preparation and training • Sports injuries • Biomechanical principles

• Skill acquisition • Theory of learning • Information Processing • Personality • Anxiety and stress • Attitudes • Aggression • Achievement motivation • Self-efficacy and confidence • Leadership

• Globalisation of sport • Impact of sport on society • Role of technology • Ethics in sport • Violence in sport • Drugs in sport • Sport and the law • Impact of commercialisation

COMPONENT

ASSESSMENT

CONTENT

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

2 hr examination (35% of final A Level)

• Applied anatomy and physiology • Skill acquisition • Sport and society • Exercise physiology and Biomechanics • Sport psychology • Society and technology in sport • Pupils assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity • Pupils to complete a written analysis of their performance

2 hr examination (35% of final A Level)

Practical performance in physical activity and sport

Practical plus written assessment (30% of final A Level)

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