GCSE PE

Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance (1 exam – 30%)

Students explore how parts of the human body function during physical activity and the physiological adaptations that can occur due to diet and training. They also develop skills in data analysis, and an understanding of the principles of training, why we train in different ways and how training plans can be made to optimise results.

There are two topics:

Applied anatomy and physiology

• Skeletal system
• Muscular system
• Levers, axis and planes
• Circulatory & Respiratory Systems
• Short-term effects of exercise
• Long-term effects of exercise

Physical training

• Components of fitness
• Principles of training
• Optimising training
• Prevention of injury

Component 02: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology (1 exam – 30%)

Students develop their knowledge of the social-cultural and psychological influences on levels of participation in sport, and also how sport impacts on society more broadly. This includes the individual benefits to health, fitness and well-being of participating in physical activity, as well as the influences of commercialisation, sponsorship and the media.

There are three topics:

Socio-cultural influences

• Physical activity and sport in the UK
• Participation in physical activity and sport
• Commercialisation of sport
• Ethics, drugs and violence in sport

Sports psychology

• Skill and skill continuums
• Goal setting & mental preparation Types of guidance
• Types of feedback

Health, fitness and well-being

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diet & nutrition

Component 04: Practical performances (30%)

Students are assessed in performing three practical activities and one performance analysis task. In the practical performance, they demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions.

Students will develop core and advanced skills in three activities taken from the approved lists:

1) one from the ‘individual’ list eg table-tennis, badminton, athletics

2) one from the ‘team’ list eg football, basketball, netball

3) one other from either list.

Component 05: Analysis and evaluation of performance (AEP) (10%)

Students are required to demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate their own or a peers practical performance to produce an action plan for improvement.

A: Analyse aspects of personal performance in a practical activity (eg football)

B: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the performance

C: Produce an action plan which aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of the performance.