Physical Education

This course is for pupils who have an interest in sport beyond just playing. It looks into how the body functions during physical activity and how the biological systems react in order to facilitate continued movement. It covers the socio-cultural aspects influencing an individual’s involvement in sport and physical activity and the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. It looks at diet and nutrition and all levels of performance. It is certainly an academic subject, with 60% of the final examination grade being made up from two theory papers and the other 40% from practical performance and knowledge over three different sports. Pupils who have studied the course in the past have gone on to study Physiotherapy, Psychology, Nutrition and Sport, and Leisure Business Studies. It is important that pupils wanting to take this course are capable of performing their three practical sports to a strong level in order to score highly in the practical element of the course. 

Where can this subject take you? 

A GCSE in Physical Education serves as an excellent foundation to go on and study a BTEC or an A level in Sports Science. Post 16, it is often studied alongside subjects such as Biology and Psychology and is an excellent addition to a UCAS application for those looking to pursue a degree in Sport. 

Beyond university, it can lead to careers in a variety of fields, such as Education and Coaching, Health and Fitness or Sports Management and Development.

Course Content/Structure 

Pupils have three lessons per week: two theory and one practical in Year 10 and three theory in Year 11, to cover both parts of the syllabus. 

The practical assessments are initially done by the teachers of the subject throughout the course, (continually, from Year 10) and an external moderator comes to the School to oversee the non-exam assessment in the latter stages of Year 11. 

Units covered: 

• Health, Fitness and Well-being 
• Applied Anatomy and Physiology 
• Movement Analysis 
• Physical Training 
• Use of Data 
• Sports Psychology 
• Socio-cultural Influences 

Assessment

Paper 1: The Human Body and Movement in Physical Activity and Sport (30% of final grade). 

Paper 2: Socio-cultural Influences and Well-being in Physical Activity and Sport (30% of final grade). 

Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport – three different physical activities: one team activity, one individual activity and a third in either an individual or team activity. 

There is also a piece of written coursework worth 10% of a pupil’s final grade that focuses on the‘Analysis and Evaluation’ of sporting performance from a chosen sport. 

All combined are worth 40% of a pupil’s final grade. 

Additional Information

Exam Board:
AQA GCSE

Head of Department:
Henry Edwards – hre@rydeschool.net