Sports Studies

Sport Studies at A level attracts students interested in sport though there is no necessity to have participated at a county level (or above). It is a subject that does its best to distance itself from the “kick a lump of leather round a field” image as with an approach, that sport involves solving problems posed by the structure of an activity within the limits of the rules. You will study all aspects of sport including its role in society, issues in modern sport and how skills are learned and improved. This makes sport one of the few A level subjects to truly straddle the divide between Arts and Sciences and you will touch upon aspects of Sociology, Politics, Psychology, Economics, Biology, Physics and History. You will learn that sport has an important role in personal and social development as well as influencing psychological and physical health. The spread of knowledge needed for success is tempered by all the material being related to the area that you love; sport.

Who does it suit?

Sport Studies suits students with a deep rooted interest in sport. Studying Biology at AS/A2 level can be of some assistance but it is not vital. It combines well with students following courses like Sociology, Business Studies or Geography that combine the use of factual knowledge to solve problems. Word processing skills and ability in coursework are important.

The AS

At d’Overbroeck’s we follow the AQA specification but we are not able to offer the practical options.

In the AS year the main theme is “Improving performance” and this includes the acquisition of motor skills as well as the influence of culture and history on sport participation. There are two pieces of coursework in the first year. One is the planning, organisation and evaluation of a PEP (Personal Exercise Program) which is a hand-on-job relating to personal fitness. The second piece is the observation and analysis of two activities that evaluates classification and analytical skills. Students usually attempt one Unit in the January session of the first year in order to gain early experience of the examination.

The A2

In the A2 year the main theme is “Optimising Performance” and this includes looking at the psychology of participants as well as social and cultural factors. There is a major piece of coursework on a topic of your own choosing that involves design, measurement and analysis. There is also a synoptic task where you are asked to consider a sporting issue from all aspects of the specification. Candidates usually attempt one Unit in the January session to gain early experience.

Interest in Sport is essential for success and you must also be willing and able to complete four pieces of coursework. The subject is interesting and much of the content can be related to your own experiences.

Exam strategy

¨ First year: January – Unit 2 to gain an early experience of the examination.

June – Unit 1. Unit 2 is generally retaken in June.

Unit 3 – this is a coursework option and must be completed by the end of the Easter vacation.

¨ Second year:

January – Unit 5 and any AS units that need retaking.

June – Unit 4 and retake of Unit 5 if necessary.

A2 coursework must be completed by the end of the Easter vacation.

The Department

Dr Richard Heelas, who is also Head of Subject, teaches the Cultural and coursework aspects of the specification. He is ably assisted by Nicky Thrupp, who teaches the Physiology and Biomechanical aspects, and by Carol Brown who covers the Psychology of Sport.

Higher Education Sport Studies is a full A level though the tag of ‘Studies’ does seem to reduce its impact on admissions tutors. The specification is not offered at many schools so that it is not a compulsory requirement for any degree course. It would however help a great deal if you were to follow a sport-related degree course.