PE will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in a wide range of activities and help you to improve your performance. You will be taught about exercise, how your body works to help you exercise, and then through training, how your performance can be improved.
The course is 40% practically based, 60% theory based and involves participating in a range of practical activities, as well as developing the knowledge to improve your own abilities in these areas. 10% of the practical allocation is designated to the development of an Analysis and Evaluation Plan.
The PE department ideally aims for two practical’s and three theory lessons over the two week. For those who enjoy sport and do well in it, this will therefore be a very enjoyable course. The theory units are intensive and Is heavily science based, there is also a lot of coursework to be completed throughout the two years.
You will already have been taught a wide range of different activities in your KS3 PE lessons, due to the new intellectualised curriculum. This course will help you build upon these basic skills. You will develop the analytical skills necessary to look at and improve your own and others’ performance.
Physical Education allows you to develop a wide range of personal skills through the involvement in physical activity, and there is a cross-curricular link with Science, English and Maths.

Assessment
There are two theory examinations at the end of the course that will test your knowledge and understanding of the human body and sociocultural influences. The examinations will be 1 hour and 15 minutes long, and involves short and long questions that enable you to apply your understanding of the factors affecting participation.
The written examination is worth 60% of the total mark. There are two practical examinations – one observed by a visiting moderator. These count for 40% of the total marks awarded.
Progression
A very good grade at GCSE will help you to move onto any AS, Advanced GCE or Advanced VCE course. If you enjoy your GCSE Physical Education, you may want to continue with the subject onto an Advanced Level Physical Education Course.
The BTEC National in Sport (Level 3) or Alevel PE will be a natural extension in the sixth form. You could go on to study Physiotherapy and Sport Science courses at university – see UCAS website for more information on other courses that can be studied.
Alternatively, you may wish to consider a more vocational related course, such as Leisure and Recreation, or even coaching sports. Employment opportunities where your skills will be particularly valued include the sport and leisure industry, travel and tourism and teaching.