GCSE Physical Education

Pupils will receive a well-rounded education to the world of sport performance and sport science by developing an understanding of how the mind and body works in relation to performance in physical activity.

Structure of the course in Key Stage 4

Pupils will have 2 lessons of GCSE PE a week. These lessons will be predominantly theory based and will focus on the two examination papers and the written coursework that makes up 70% of the course.

The remaining 30% is practically based and is covered within some GCSE PE and core PE lessons. Pupils are assessed in a variety of sports within schools and are externally moderated. Their best three scores give the total grade. It is expected that pupils participate in at least one sport outside of school.

Content of the course

Component 1	Component 2	Component 3	Component 4
Fitness and Body Systems	Health and Performance	Practical Performance	Personal Exercise Programme (PEP)
Topic 1: Applied anatomy and physiology Topic 2: Movement analysis Topic 3: Physical training Topic 4: Use of data	Topic 1: Health, fitness and well-being Topic 2: Sport psychology Topic 3: Socio-cultural influences Topic 4: Use of data	One team activity. One individual activity One free choice a further individual or team activity	Aim and planning a training program. Carrying out and monitoring improvements in your performance. Evaluation of your 6-week training program.

Assessment in the subject

Component 1	Component 2	Component 3	Component 4
Written examination 36% of the qualification 1 hour and 45 minutes 90 Marks	Written examination 24% of the qualification 1 hour and 15 minutes 70 Marks	Practical Exam 30% of the qualification 35 Marks per activity 105 marks	Written Coursework 10% of the qualification 20 Marks

The practical examination consists of 3 activities.

• One individual activity
• One team activity
• One other choice. Either a team or individual activity from the list below.

Individual Activities

Amateur boxing, Athletics, Badminton, Canoeing, Cycling, Dance, Platform diving, Equestrian, Figure Skating, Golf, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Rock climbing, Rowing, Sculling, Skiing, Snowboarding, Squash, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis, Trampolining and Windsurfing. Specialist Activities; Boccia and Polybat.

Team Activities

Acrobatic Gymnastics, Association Football, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Cricket, Dance, Figure Skating, Futsal, Gaelic football, Handball, Hockey, Hurling, Ice Hockey, Inline roller Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Rowing, Rugby league, Rugby union, Sailing, Squash, Table tennis, Tennis, Volleyball and Water polo. Specialist Activities; Blind cricket, Goal ball, Powerchair football, Table cricket, Wheelchair basketball and Wheelchair rugby

Pathways Post 16

GCSE PE links to A Level PE at a further education and 6th form colleges. A level PE is a rigorous and academic subject accepted by all Universities including Russell Group Universities (top 24 in the UK.)

The course should appeal to anyone on pathway 1 who plays sport outside of school or is willing to represent the school teams in a variety of sports and has an interest in the human body, PE lessons and sport. Related careers may include; the armed forces, emergency services, nutritionist, physiotherapist, physical training instructor, sports coach, teacher or sport scientist.

Extra-curricular opportunities

Pupils would be expected to represent the school in sports that they are being assessed in for their GCSE practical performance. We would encourage GCSE PE pupils to apply for PE prefect status in year 11 and encourage our GCSE PE pupils to help support teachers with the delivery of Key Stage 3 extra-curricular clubs. Additionally, through the course we offer pupils the opportunity to visit Loughborough University to experience some sport lectures, a tour around their world class sport facilities and participate in some practical sports.

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