Why should I study PE?This subject is one of the best for developing you, not just physically, but also mentally and socially. When you finish this course you will be fitter, good at working as part of a team, good at coping under pressure and have a broad base of knowledge with which to look after, not only yourself, but also others. Recent research by the Department for Education also places this subject as the third most influential with regards to future earnings. For students who feel this is the right course for them, this is usually their favourite subject. What practical activities will I study?The GCSE Physical Education course involves spending long periods mastering the skills of badminton, basketball, and either athletics or swimming. You can also be assessed in practical activities you perform in your own time, in core PE and also in something you represent the school for. In all cases, this is dependent on the activity being on the specified list. |
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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 70% 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?
Yes. You will have at least one theory lesson a week where you will be given a key notes book to complete and a workbook for related tasks. There will also be weekly homework tasks, plus facts tests and key tests each half term.
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. This 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.
What are the next steps?
Should you wish to choose GCSE PE, you will need to add it as the main choice in either the Option 2 or Option 4 box. If you have any further questions about this course, please contact our Teacher of PE, Mr Chase, at
