This fully resourced guide covers everything students and teachers need for the AQA A-Level PE Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), as specified in Section 4.5. Created and refined by a specialist PE teacher with 9 years’ AQA sixth-form experience.

The NEA is worth 15% of the A Level grade (45 marks). This resource gives students a complete, structured understanding of both components — practical performance and performance analysis.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE POWERPOINT (35 slides):

Overview and structure
• The two NEA components explained: Component 1 (Practical Performance — 45 marks across three areas) and Component 2 (Performance Analysis)
• How to choose your activity: AQA DfE approved list, player vs coach role decision, key rules and consequences of choosing incorrectly
• Mark band levels explained: Level 4 (13–15 marks) through Level 1 (1–4 marks) — with full descriptors for each

Component 1 — Player/Performer role
• Area 1 and Area 2: Technical quality — what recognised technique looks like, accuracy and consistency requirements, rule compliance, effective outcome
• Area 3: Strategic and tactical awareness — how to show deliberate tactical thinking; attacking and defensive plans; how to adapt intelligently; why Area 3 links directly to A Level theory
• What assessors are specifically looking for across all three areas

Component 1 — Coach role
• The coach role: planning, coordinating and leading performers before, during and after competitive performance
• Areas 1 and 2: identifying skills to develop, delivering planned progressive sessions, providing specific actionable feedback
• Area 3: preparing game plans, executing tactics, evaluating and modifying decisions
• The four-step coach analysis process: Observe → Plan → Deliver → Evaluate
• Justifying coaching decisions using A Level theory (skill acquisition, biomechanics, sport psychology)

Component 2 — Performance Analysis
• What is required in the written analysis: identifying strengths and weaknesses across all three areas
• Four-step analysis framework: Observe → Describe (specifically) → Explain (using theory) → Prescribe (with justification)
• Linking performance analysis to A Level specification content: skill acquisition, biomechanics, sport psychology, exercise physiology

Preparation and practical guidance
• Before assessment checklist: knowing skill criteria, practising in competitive contexts, reviewing mark bands, preparing tactical plans
• On the day focus: performing consistent skills, demonstrating tactical thinking, composure under pressure, rule compliance
• Off-site activities and video evidence: filming requirements, moderation preparation, quality guidance
• Disability, specialist activities and reasonable adjustments
• Common mistakes to avoid — the most costly NEA errors students make