Subject Overview

GCSE Physical Education [AQA] requires students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the human body, movement in physical activity and the socio-cultural influences and well-being of the sports person. Students will also develop their knowledge in relation to performance in physical activity – the course involves an assessed practical element incorporating a range of activities not covered in core PE. 

Course Information

Unit 1 – The Theory of Physical Education (60% weighting)

Paper 1: Applied anatomy and physiology; Movement analysis; Physical training; Use of data

Paper 2: Sports psychology; Socio-cultural influences; Health, fitness and wellbeing; Use of data.

Unit 2 – Performance in Physical Education (40% weighting) 

Practical sports performance (three sports – one individual, one team and one choice).

Assessment

Unit 1 – The Theory of Physical Education 

This unit is assessed through two externally set examination papers which include a mixture of multiple choice/objective test questions, short answer questions and extended answer questions, both papers totalling 60% of the final GCSE grade (30% each paper). 

Unit 2 – Performance in Physical Education 

This unit is practically assessed in three (personally selected) sports as a performer in both drills (10 marks) and full context (15 marks). This unit is assessed by teachers and then externally moderated. Students will also analyse and evaluate performance in one of these activities (25 marks). Total marks available: 100. 

Progression

GCSE Physical Education allows students to progress to a host of post-16 routes and Level 3 qualifications, such as the A-level in Physical Education, as well as vocational-related qualifications, such as diplomas in Sport and Active Leisure. Previously, students’ careers have included PE teachers, sports coaches and personal trainers.