GCSE PE offers an exciting mix of physical performance and academic study. You’ll explore how the body and mind respond to exercise, how elite athletes train, and how sport influences society. This subject combines science, psychology, and practical skills — ideal for students who are passionate about sport and want to understand the theory behind performance.
You’ll build knowledge of the human body, health, and fitness, while developing transferable skills such as teamwork, analysis, and communication. GCSE PE is both challenging and rewarding, giving you a deeper understanding of how to improve performance and make healthy lifestyle choices.
What does a typical lesson look like?
Lessons are split between theory and practical sport. In theory lessons, you’ll use structured resources and discussions to understand key topics such as the cardiovascular system, sports psychology, and training methods. You might analyse sporting techniques, interpret data, or debate ethical issues in elite performance. Practical sessions focus on developing skills, tactics, and preparing for assessment — creating a fast-paced, engaging balance of physical and academic challenge.
What sort of learner does well in this subject?
This is a rigorous and rewarding subject that suits students who are:
• Actively involved in sport outside of school or attend after-school clubs
• Interested in biology, psychology, and how the body works
• Confident in written English and able to express ideas clearly
• Motivated to improve their own performance and reflect on progress
• Willing to work hard in both practical and theory lessons
A genuine enthusiasm for sport and a willingness to tackle challenging scientific and written content are essential for success. You must practise a sport outside of the classroom in order to take this subject.
To take this subject, students should actively play/do sports or represent a team or club.
GCSE PE is assessed through two written exams and a practical component:
• Paper 1: The Human Body and Movement in Sport (30%)
Learn about how body systems support physical activity — skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory. Explore movement through levers, planes and axes, fitness components, training methods, injury prevention, and data analysis.
• Paper 2: Socio-Cultural Influences and Well-Being (30%)
Study motivation, goal setting, mental preparation, and decision-making in sport. Understand how factors like media, sponsorship, and ethics influence participation, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle, diet, and hydration.
• Non-Exam Assessment (40%)
Practical performance in three sports (one team, one individual, and one other) makes up 30% of your grade, plus a 10% coursework task analysing and evaluating your own performance.
GCSE PE is an excellent foundation for A Level PE, BTEC Sport, or other sport-related qualifications. It supports careers in sports science, physiotherapy, coaching, teaching, fitness, nutrition, psychology, and rehabilitation. Employers and universities value the analytical, scientific, and leadership skills developed through this course.
Mr Mellors, Subject Leader of PE
Mr Anderson, Teacher of PE
Miss Keen, Teacher of PE
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physical-education/gcse/physical-education-8582/specification