PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE

Whether you want a career in sport or just want a qualification that is widely recognised by universities and employers then a PE course is for you. Sport qualifications offer you the chance to develop a wide range of highly desirable, transferable skills through practical means. They demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team, improve social skills and show you understand how to live a healthy lifestyle. Students who opt for a Sports course develop their personal skills including communication, leadership and confidence. Career opportunities and further education courses may include; teaching, sports coaching, physiotherapist, sports psychologist, employment in the leisure industry and sports journalism. Furthermore, despite the courses being assessed mainly through examination or coursework, the practical elements are a chance to get a break from all the theory you may have in other subjects.

There are two courses to pick from – GCSE PE or Nationals in Sport. Read through the information on both courses to see which one you feel you are best suited to.

COURSE CONTENT

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Movement Analysis

• Physical Training

• Use of Data

• Sports Psychology

• Socio-Cultural Influences

• Health, Fitness & Well-being

ASSESSMENT

• Exam board: OCR

Theoretical Assessment (60%)

• 2 x 1 Hour Exams

• Paper 1 (30%) – The human body and movement in physical activity and sport.

• Paper 2 (30%) – Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport.

Practical Assessment (30%)

• Practical performance in three different activities (one in a team, one as an individual and the third can be either)

Analysis of Sport (10%)

• Analysis and evaluation of performance to bring about improvement in one activity.

Legacy Specification – Year 11 only

THEORY UNIT

Unit 1 (Theory) is assessed by 2 x 1 hour 15 minute written exams. This will contribute 60% of the final grade.

Topic 1: – The human body and movement in physical activity and sport.
Topic 2:. Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport.

What will you study?

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Movement Analysis

• Physical Training

• Use of data

• Sports psychology

• Socio-cultural influences

• Health, fitness & well-being

You will need to be in higher sets for Science and English to be successful at this element.

PRACTICAL UNIT

• Section 1: 30% Practical performance in which your personal performance is assessed in three sports, one in a team, one as an individual and the third can be either.

• Section 2: 10% Analysis of performance in which you display the ability to assess, evaluate and improve performance.

• You will need to be a reasonably proficient practical performer and have the determination to attend extra-curricular clubs and activities to further improve your practical skills. We may also call upon you to use your time and leadership skills to work with younger students in their extra-curricular clubs.

GCSE PE is taught through separate theory and practical lessons

There is more weighting on the theory element as there is only a 30% assessment based on your own practical performance. It is important that you are aware that in the theory lessons, you will be expected to research each topic area further and in more detail through homework tasks.

The other GCSE lessons are practical, in which you will cover a range of sports, giving you a broad base of activities to choose from for your three practical performances.

GCSE PE will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in and understanding of a wide range of sports and activities and will help you to improve your personal performance. You will develop your leadership and communication skills as well as your ability to work as a team.

GCSE PE can be a stepping stone to A Level PE and University Sports Degrees but also to a wide range of further studies or employment in the leisure industry or sports coaching.