AQA A Level Physical Education specification (7582)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level Physical Education exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level Physical Education specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level Physical Education (7582) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
AQA A-level Physical Education equips learners with a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of performance in physical activity and sport. The course develops understanding across physiological, psychological and socio-cultural perspectives. It encourages students to analyse performance, apply scientific principles, and understand the influences that affect participation. By exploring contemporary issues and engaging in physical activity, learners gain transferable skills in analysis, leadership, communication, and decision-making. The qualification is ideal for progression into sport science, coaching, physiotherapy, teaching, and related fields.
Subject content breakdown
1. Applied anatomy and physiology
- Muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- Energy systems and recovery
- Neuromuscular system and movement analysis
2. Skill acquisition
- Classification of motor skills
- Theories of learning and stages of learning
- Information processing, memory models, guidance and feedback
- Practice methods and transfer of learning
3. Sport and society
- Sociological theory and sport development
- Impact of industrialisation and post-industrial Britain
- Globalisation of sport, commercialisation, media and ethics
- Contemporary issues including drugs, violence, and technology
4. Exercise physiology and biomechanics
- Diet, nutrition and performance
- Preparation and training methods
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Biomechanical principles, levers, linear and angular motion
- Fluid mechanics and projectile motion
5. Sport psychology
- Personality, attitudes, motivation and arousal
- Anxiety, aggression and social facilitation
- Group dynamics, leadership and goal setting
- Attribution theory, self-confidence and self-efficacy
6. Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport
- Modern technology in sport: data, performance analysis, equipment
- Impact on participation, fair outcomes and entertainment
- Ethical considerations, sponsorship and spectator behaviour
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport
- 2 hours, 105 marks
- Sections A, B and C (covering applied anatomy and physiology, skill acquisition, and sport and society)
- Multiple choice, short answers and extended writing
- 35% of A Level
Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport
- 2 hours, 105 marks
- Sections A, B and C (covering exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, and technology)
- Multiple choice, short answers and extended writing
- 35% of A Level
Non-exam assessment (NEA)
- Practical performance in one activity (as performer or coach)
- Performance analysis and evaluation task
- 90 marks total, internally assessed and externally moderated
- 30% of A Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level Physical Education isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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