GCSE Physical Education requires students to develop their knowledge and understanding of physical education and physical activity, including:
- how and why people take part in physical activity
- exercise and fitness
- personal health and wellbeing
- practical performance in physical activity
Students will also develop their knowledge and understanding of how a healthy, active lifestyle contributes to the growth and development of body systems (including the cardiovascular, muscular, respiratory and skeletal systems) and general wellbeing.
Course Outline
The course is designed to enhance the knowledge, understanding and practical skills for success in Physical Education. It prepares students for the next steps in their education (A-Level or BTEC Level 3 courses in sport or sport related areas) as well as for entrance into University or Apprenticeships in Sport.
Students complete theoretical content, perform practically and complete their own practical coursework. The course is broken down into 4 components:
Component 1 – Applied anatomy and physiology, Movement analysis, Physical training and use of data.
Component 2 – Health, fitness and well-being, Sports psychology, Socio-cultural influences and use of data.
Component 3 – Practical performance.
Component 4 – Personal Exercise Programme (coursework).
Assessment
| COMPONENT | HOW ASSESSED | % OF FINAL MARK |
| 1 | External Exam | 36 |
| 2 | External Exam | 24 |
| 3 | Practical Performance | 30 |
| 4 | Coursework | 10 |
Homework
Homework is set at the end of each theory lesson and will always relate to the topic covered in class or as preparation for an upcoming topic. It will be set as a mixture of online (Google Classroom) or book based work recorded in their exercise book.
Key Skills Required for Success in GCSE PE
- Attendance to all PE lessons
- Working well in a team
- Positive attitude towards all sport
- Self confidence
- Be hard working in both practical and theoretical settings
Post 16 and Further Education Progression
The course will leave any student that select it in a position to take a large number of options for any course at post 16, in apprenticeships, or university degrees. Please see below for some examples of options:
Post 16
- A-Level PE
- A-Level Sports Studies
- A-Level Biology
- A-Level Psychology
- BTEC Nationals at Level 2 or 3
Apprenticeships
- Any sport related industry
University
- Sports Science Degree
- Sports Therapy Degree
- PE Teaching Degree
- Sports Studies Degree
- Coaching Degrees
Possible Careers/Employment Pathways
This robust and challenging course allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the physical, social and mental benefits of sport as well as developing all areas of their theoretical understanding of Physical Education.
The development of in depth and all round knowledge opens up many job opportunities if at least one or more of the post 16 routes are followed after completing GCSE PE. Examples of some of the jobs that could obtained are:
- Physiotherapist
- PE Teacher
- Sports journalist
- Sports coach
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Nutritionist
- Data analyst for sports
- Working within the leisure industry
- Personal Trainer
Please see Mr Mills for more information