Why should I study this subject?
AQA GCSE Physical Education is more than just sport – it’s rooted in science. With theory forming the core of the course, students delve into anatomy, physiology, psychology, and the socio-cultural factors that shape participation in sport.
Alongside this academic focus, you’ll also have the chance to enhance your practical skills in a range of sporting activities. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, build confidence and competence.
This combination of knowledge and practical experience equips learners with a strong foundation for a wide range of future careers in sport, sport science, physiotherapy, coaching, and other health-related professions. It also helps develop transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
What will I study?
The course equips students with a strong theoretical foundation in health and active living, empowering them to make informed decisions about their own physical development. It explores key areas such as sports psychology and the socio-cultural factors that influence participation, alongside a detailed understanding of applied anatomy and physiology.
You can also be assessed in practical activities you perform in your own time, practical PE, and sports that you represent the school for. In all cases, this is dependent on the activity being on the specified list.
How will I be assessed?
For GCSE Physical Education, we follow the AQA syllabus and this means that your final grade is decided by practical components, a written examination involving two theory papers, and a written coursework assignment.
Students who participate in sport at an external club level must provide video evidence of their performance, which will be submitted to the exam board for moderation.
Assessment is broken down as follows:
Paper 1: The Human Body and Movement in Physical Activity and Sport
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 78 marks
- Worth 30% of final mark
Paper 2: Socio-Cultural Influences and Well-being in Physical Activity and Sport
- Exam duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 78 marks
- Worth 30% of final mark
Non-Exam Assessment: Practical Performance in Physical Activity and Sport
- Practical performance in three different activities assessed in the role of player/performer, each activity worth 10% of your GCSE (one in a team activity, one in an individual activity and a third in either a team or in an individual activity).
- The final 10% of your qualification comes from a written analysis and evaluation of performance using the theory content you have learned.
Are there higher and foundation tiers?
No. All students sit the same exam and study the same content, with questions designed to allow achievement across the full range of grades (9–1).ut and also receive good coaching. However, this subject is 60% theory, so if you are good at the sciences, and follow sport closely, you could still do very well by just being serious about sport at school.
Are there any trips or enrichment opportunities?
TBC
Will this course be good preparation for post-16 study?
GCSE PE is excellent preparation for post-16 study because it develops knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and sports science, alongside practical skills in performance and teamwork. It also builds analysis, problem-solving, and independent learning skills, all of which are useful for further study in sport, health, and science-related subjects.
Do I need to be really good at sport?
It is more difficult to achieve a good pass (5 and above) if you do not have at least one sport you are serious about and also receive good coaching. However, this subject is 60% theory, so if you are good at the sciences, and follow sport closely, you could still do very well by just being serious about sport at school.
Will I have to perform in front of other people?
Yes. The success criteria laid out by the exam board stipulates that you must be assessed during a competitive game in the full version of each sport. The exam board also requires video evidence of performances and it is usual for a visiting member of the exam board to come into school and watch you perform in at least one sport.
How fit do I need to be?
At the very least, you need to be of average fitness when you start the course. There may be times when you will be playing sport for over three hours a day. You will also have to complete a variety of fitness tests and work hard in sports you are unaccustomed to, which can be very tiring.
Is there much writing?
Students will attend at least one theory lesson per week, supported by two dedicated workbooks – one for Part A content and another for Part B. Homework will be assigned via eRevision to reinforce learning, and progress will be tracked through regular fact checks and key assessments each half term.
What are the next steps?
To study GCSE PE, you will need to choose it from either the Option 1 or Option 2 blocks. For further information about the subject, please email
