Physical Education (GCSE)

Exam Board: AQA

Course Overview:

In the AQA GCSE Physical Education course students are assessed 60% by their theory knowledge, 30% by their practical ability in 3 activities and 10% by their ability to analyse and evaluate their performance in one of their 3 practical activities. 

The course is comprised of three key components:

Component 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport

Component 2: Socio-cultural Influences and wellbeing in physical activity and aport

Component 3: Practical Performance in Physical Activity and Sport

Course Content:

Applied anatomy and physiology – muscular-skeletal, cardio-respiratory system, physical training and use of data. health, fitness and wellbeing – physical, emotional and social wellbeing, sedentary lifestyles, diet and use of data sport psychology – classification of skills, use of goal setting and SMART target, guidance and feedback, mental preparation and socio-cultural influence and use of data.

Assessment Structure:

Component 1: Written Examination 1 hour and 15 minutes 30% of the qualification (78 marks )

Component 2: Written examination 1 hour and 15 minutes 30% of qualification (78 marks)

Component 3: Non-examined assessment: internally marked and externally moderated 40% of the qualification 75 marks for 3 practical sports– skills during individual and team activities/general performance skill. Three sports, one must be a team, one must be an individual and the final activity can be a free choice. 25 marks for a piece of coursework (analysis and evaluation of performance)

Extra Curricular Opportunities:

Students have the opportunity to participate in other sports such as: kayaking, rock climbing, skiing and cycling.

Career Prospects and Transferable Skill:

Students who study Physical Education will understand the benefits of living a healthy and active lifestyle. They acquire the skills to make informed choices about their own physical development, whilst getting involved in physical activities that meet their needs. Students also learn how to analyse and evaluate performance, making effective plans for improvement. Studying Physical Education helps develop and maintain confidence, wellbeing, teamwork and social skills.

Studying this course can lead to careers such as teaching, coaching, sports psychology and sports development with national governing bodies. It also links well to those wanting to go to work in the sports physiotherapy and sports injuries vocations such as sports massage, sports nutrition and sports podiatrist. With sports technology becoming ever important to the elite athlete this area as a vocation is also expanding and could be an exciting avenue for the keen Physical Education student.  

Following your successful completion of the GCSE Physical Education you may wish to pursue:

• Further study of Physical Education at A level

• Vocational courses such as BTEC Nationals in Sport and Sport and Exercise Sciences

• Apprenticeship and other training

• Employment in a related sector

Further Information: Frances Allen (Head of Physical Education) - email: frances.allen@scwa.org.uk