PE, Dance and Health

Level 3 BTEC National - exam board website.

TOPICS

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work
All Theory Unit. For the assessment, learners will be provided with two named practitioners and a theme. Learners will be given two practitioners to study. They will investigate and critically analyse the contextual influences on their selected practitioners and performance work with a focus on how these relate to the theme identified in the set task.

Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance.
Predominantly Practical Unit. Set and marked internally.
Learners explore technical performance skills with a focus on developing and demonstrating skills and techniques in at least two performance styles within a selected discipline. Assessed performance usually takes place during the Summer Dance Show.

Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
Predominantly Practical Unit. Externally assessed exam. 5 hours.
Learners explore and integrate creative, physical and performance skills and techniques, working collaboratively to create a performance in response to a given stimulus.

Unit 22: Movement in Performance
Predominantly Practical Unit. Set and marked internally. Students will explore the components of dance: actions, space, dynamics and relationships and will create and develop a performance piece using these as their stimulus.

TAKE THIS COURSE IF...

You have a passion for dance and want to develop your practical skills and your ability to analyse and appreciate the work of professional dancers.

WHERE IT COULD TAKE YOU

Dance is an accepted ‘A level equivalent’ for entry into Higher Education.
A growing number of higher education institutes offer degrees in Dance and Drama, Performing Arts, Theatre Studies and Youth Sport and Dance Coaching. Dance develops expressive communication, analytical, and appreciation skills, all of which are valuable attributes for any interview. As well as a sound understanding of health, fitness, poise, posture and confidence which are fundamental skills for any young person leaving education.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

It is essential that you have studied dance previously in some way, either for BTEC Level 2, GCSE, external clubs and classes such as Contemporary, Ballet, Street Dance etc. or through King Alfred’s elective programme. The course is physically demanding, so you should be prepared to attend practical classes and have the confidence to perform in front of others. You will be required to perform in the Dance Productions in front of parents, teachers, governors and other students. You should also be prepared to lead small groups of younger students.

Level 3 BTEC National - exam board website.

This course is available as an Extended Certificate equivalent to one A Level. Most of the units below are coursework assignment based, some are assessed by exam.

TOPICS covered in BOTH courseS*

• Unit 1: Human lifespan Development
• Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care
• Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs.

Plus 1 other Optional Unit from:

• Unit 11: Physiological disorders.
• Unit 12: Supporting Individuals with Additional needs

Additional Topics covered in the Diploma Course

• Unit 4: Enquiries into Current Research In H&SC
• Unit 6: Work Experience
• Unit 7: Principles of Safe Practice in H&SC
• Unit 8: Promoting Public Health Plus 2 other Optional Units from:
• Unit 12: Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs

TAKE THIS COURSE IF...

You are interested in a career in the health or social care sectors, or in a related sector such as education or policing, as many relevant concepts are covered.

WHERE IT COULD TAKE YOU

This qualification provides students with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding of the Health and Social Care sector and develops career opportunities as well as enabling students to enter Further or Higher Education courses. The majority of students progress on to university or onto higher or degree-level apprenticeship routes.

This course is particularly suited to those wishing to become paramedics, social workers, nurses, teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, dieticians, midwifes etc. or join the police or fire services.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

Having studied Level 2 Health and Social Care is useful but not essential. More important is having good literacy skills and the ability to pass some challenging examined units, so success at GCSE English and Science is a good indicator of the necessary skills.

*Subject to change under new 2025 AAQ’s

OCR A Level - exam board website.

TOPICS

Paper 1: Factors affecting participating in physical activity and sport.
- Applied Physiology and Anatomy and Physiology
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics

Paper 2: Psychological factors affecting performance
- Skill acquisition
- Sport Psychology

Paper 3: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
- Sport and society
- Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport

Practical
- Assessed as a performer or as a coach in one activity.
- Verbal analysis of performance.

For the practical element of A-level students can chose to coach or take on the role of a performer in any of the following activities:
Association Football, Basketball, Field Hockey, Gaelic Football, Hurling, Netball, Ruby League, Rugby Union, Handball, Lacrosse, Badminton, Squash, Tennis, Volleyball, Table Tennis, cricket, Golf, Gymnastics, Trampolining, Canoeing, Skiing, Horse Riding, Kayaking, Rowing, Rock Climbing, Competitive Swimming, Diving, Dance, Athletics &Track Cycling.

Other activities will not be considered by the exam board.

TAKE THIS COURSE IF...

You should study Physical Education at A Level if you have a real interest in the participation and study of movement, performance and behaviour in relation to play, institutionalised Physical Education, sport and recreation.

WHERE IT COULD TAKE YOU

Academic study within Physical Education can provide greater knowledge, insight and understanding of sporting performance. It will be of particular use for those students who wish to continue with Physical Education or Sport Science into Higher Education.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

Most successful A Level students will have at least a grade 6 in GCSE PE (with a 6 on the theory exam and a score of 22 in their chosen sport) and a similar level of success in GCSE Science.

You are required to play your sport regularly and log your performance to a minimum of club level. It is suggested that you coach your sport regularly.

Level 3 BTEC National - exam board website.

This course is available in two sizes - an Extended Certificate equivalent to one A Level, and an Extended Diploma with additional lessons and units, equivalent to three A Levels. Most of the units below are coursework assignment based, some are assessed by exam.

TOPICS covered by BOTH courses

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-Being
• Professional Development in the Sports Industry
• Application of fitness tests and training

Additional topics covered in Extended Diploma courses

• Sports Leadership
• Performance Analysis
• Investigating Business in Sport and the Active Leisure Industry
• Skill Acquisition
• Rules, Regulations and Officiating in Sport
• Development and Provision for Sport
• Professional Development in the Sports Industry
• Research Methods in Sport
• Introduction to Management
• Organising Sporting Events
• Practical Sports Performance
• Sports Injury Management

TAKE THIS COURSE IF...

You enjoy sport in general and are interested in further study and / or a career in the sport and leisure sector. 

WHERE IT COULD TAKE YOU

It provides a qualification which is widely respected by employers in a wide range of industries, as there is such a focus on leadership and communication skills. Many students go on to study sport-related degree courses at university, and beyond that, to work in sports coaching, leisure management or in education.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED

Most students have been successful in either GCSE PE or Level 2 BTEC Sport. Good literacy skills and the ability to pass challenging examined units testing scientific knowledge mean that success in GCSE English and Science is also important.