Physical Education
You will be engaging in physical activity and sport by contextualising the theory and applying that knowledge to your practical performance.
GCSE PE promotes a holistic understanding of PE, whereby you will receive a well-rounded and full introduction to the world of PE, sport and sport science by developing an understanding of how the mind and body works in relation to performance in physical activity. This course links closely with key aspects of biology i.e. the human body: how muscles, bones, the cardiovascular and respiratory system contribute towards our health as well as our movement and athletic performance.
What is the exam board and specification?
Pearson Edexcel GCSE PE – Exam Board Link
What will you study?
The theory content of the course is broken up into two components:
Component 1:
Applied anatomy and physiology, Movement analysis, Physical training
Component 2:
Health, fitness and well-being, Sport psychology, Socio-cultural influences
Practical lessons within the course will consist of being taught within a range of different sports, most notably in sports that you request to be assessed in. Attention will also be paid in these lessons to fitness testing and applying the theory content into practice.
How will you be assessed?
The overall assessment includes 4 different components:
There are 2 exam papers – one for Component 1 (1hour 45 min) and the other for Component 2 (1 hour 15 min).
Component 3 is the practical assessment, which involves being assessed in one team activity, one individual activity and a free choice from the list published by the DfE. You are assessed for these by considering your skills in isolation and your skills in a competitive situation.
Finally, Component 4 is the Personal Exercise Programme (PEP). You will be asked to plan an exercise programme, carry out, monitor and then evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
Component 1 and 2 combined contribute towards 60% of your overall GCSE grade, Component 3 is 30% and Component 4 is 10% of your final mark.
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
This course is for students who have a passion for sport and actively participate in sports teams inside and outside of school, ideally at a high standard. Due to being assessed in three different sports, you must be very competent in at least one team sport e.g. football and one individual sport e.g. table tennis.
You must also appreciate the significant theory content of the course, with strong links to biology. If you have a real interest in current issues within sport, the science of sport and ways to optimise sporting performance, this is the course for you.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
The course can be further studied at ‘A’ level, as well as undergraduate and post-graduate degree level. Potential career pathways that studying this course could lead you to include: physiotherapy, nutrition, sport science, sports analysis, movement analysis coach, sports psychologist, as well as a job role in sports teaching and coaching.
Who should I contact for further information?
Speak to Mr Alexander: j.alexander@kwschool.co.uk