GCSE Physical Education

Subject Leader - Mr R Jerwood

Why study Physical Education?

The course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established in Key Stage 3 in Physical Education. You will receive a well-rounded insight into the world of PE and sport science by developing an understanding of how your minds and body works in relation to performance in physical activity. It will give you exciting opportunities to be involved in a number of different sports and promotes an active healthy lifestyle.

The course is broken down into 3 sections; theory, practical and coursework. In the practical component, students will be assessed in 3 different sports; 1 being an individual sport, 1 being a team sport and the final selection can be either.  A list of accepted sports for the course can be obtained from Edexcel website. This allows your current training sessions in your sports to be extra revision!

What will I learn?

• Develop your theoretical knowledge and refine your own practical skills in a range of physical activities.

• Examine the effects of exercise and how training can improve performance.

• Investigate how your body's systems combine to allow high-level performance and maintain good health.

• Identify ways to develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through participation in physical activity.

• Appreciate the benefits participation in sport can have on an individual and the society as a whole.

How will I be assessed?

The Edexcel GCSE course is assessed through 4 components. Components 1 and 2 are both theoretically based and generate 60% of the final grade. They are both assessed through exams at the end of the course. Component 3 is practically based and is broken down into 3 sports. Each sport is worth 10%, totalling 30% of the final grade. Component 4 is coursework based ad the students devise and evaluate a Personal Exercise Plan. This is worth 10% of the final grade.

Component 1- Theory Exam (Topics assessed: Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Movement Analysis, Physical Training, Use of Data) - 36%

Component 2- Theory Exam (Topics assessed: Health, Fitness and Well Being, Sport Psychology, Socio-Cultural Influences, Use of Data) - 24%

Component 3- Practical Performance (3 Sports) - 30%

Component 4 – Coursework - Personal Exercise Plan (PEP) - 10%

What can I do after I’ve completed the course?

As well as being the ideal preparation for the A-Level Physical Education course, GCSE Physical Education allows for progression to related vocational qualifications in the sports industry like Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer courses.