What will I learn?
In G.C.S.E. Physical Education which is studied in Years 10 and 11, you will be encouraged to become increasingly physically competent through being actively involved in a range of physical activities. They will also become progressively more effective in their performance in different types of physical activity such as a player, leader and/or official.
You will study the factors affecting exercise, performance, health, well-being and lifestyle choices and also the physical, psychological, tactical and technical influences on health, fitness and well-being, lifestyle choices and performance.
How will I learn?
You will be given the opportunity to select practical activities that take account of previous achievements, personal interest, and individual levels of motivation.
The theory elements of the course taught will arise from and during the practical activities.
How will I be assessed?
You will follow the WJEC Specification through the medium of English.
There are 2 units in this specification, theory and practical:
Unit 1: Factors affecting exercise, performance, health, well-being and lifestyle choices (40%)
Unit 2: Performance in Physical Education (60%)
Practical Controlled Assessment of four practical activities
There will be one written exam paper of 1 hour 30 minutes, which is split into 2 Sections:
Section A (20%)
Compulsory questions to test knowledge and understanding of physical fitness, its assessment and factors affecting participation, provision and performance in sporting, health and well-being activities. This will be assessed through a series of short answer and extended writing questions and based on video extracts.
Section B (20%)
Compulsory questions to test knowledge and understanding of physical, psychological and tactical/ technical factors that have an influence on performance, health and well-being. This will be assessed through a combination of short answer and extended writing questions.
What next after the course?
This GCSE course offers the exciting opportunity to further study PE at A-level.
A-level PE is split into three areas – physiology, psychology and sociology. In the first, you study anatomy and how the body responds to playing sport. Psychology focuses on how the mind affects performance – for example, what makes some footballers choke when taking a penalty. In sociology you look at issues such as drug taking and discrimination – for example why certain races play certain sports
Future employment opportunities?
Examples of careers where A-level Physical Education leads to include sports science, PE law, physiotherapy and medicine. You could go into coaching or sports marketing and PR. You could choose education, or work for your local council. You could become a successful sports professional.