GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

Option

What Will You Do? 

The GCSE PE course is made up of three compulsory components. Two are theory components that are worth 60% of the final grade. The other component is a practical component which is worth 30% of the final grade, and must include three practical activities (one team activity, one individual activity and one team or individual activity). The final 10% is a written analysis task (controlled assessment).

In the theory components you will study the following areas: 

Component 1: 

• Physical Factors Affecting Performance  
• The structure and function of the skeletal system  
• The structure and function of the muscular system  
• Movement analysis  
• The cardiovascular and respiratory system  
• Effects of exercise on body systems  
• Components of fitness  
• Applying the principles of training 
• Preventing injury in physical activity and training 

Component 2: 

• Socio-cultural Issues and Sports Psychology  
• Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activities and sports
• Commercialisation of physical activity and sport  
• Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport  
• Sports psychology  
• Health, fitness and well-being 

How Will You Do It? 
The course consists of a mixture of practical and theory lessons. However, for a proportion of the course, theory work will be done in all lessons. 

What Qualifications Can You Obtain? 
Successful completion of the course will lead to a GCSE in Physical Education at grades 9-1. There is a single tier of entry in this subject. 

How Will Your Work Be Assessed? 

• Two written examination papers– 60% of your final grade.
• Three practically-assessed activities (one team activity, one individual activity and one team or individual activity)– 30% of your final grade.
• One written analysis task (controlled assessment)—10% of your final grade.

There are many practical activities you can be assessed in. These can be done at external clubs, by qualified coaches, as long as video evidence is available. You can also be assessed in school where you will be required to attend extra curricular clubs. Your three best marks from your practical assessments count towards your final grade. In addition to practical performances, you will be assessed in an analysis task. You will have to identify strengths and weaknesses and plan appropriate action to improve your performance in an activity of your choice. 

Please note that if you choose PE or Sport as an option, we will advise you as to the most appropriate qualification (GCSE PE or Cambridge Nationals) for you. 

For further information, please contact your PE Teacher, Miss Chinn, Subject Leader for PE or Mr Wilson, Assistant Subject Leader for PE.