Exam board
Edexcel
Specification
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What is the qualification?
One full GCSE awarded at grades 9 – 1.
What will students be doing on the course? How will it be structured?
The course is split into two sections, practical and theory.
The theoretical components of the course include the study of Fitness and Body Systems (36% of the qualification) and Health and Performance (24% of the qualification), which are both assessed through examinations at the end of Year 11.
The practical component is worth 30% of the overall grade and will require students to offer three performances from a list of selected sports. One activity must be individual, one as a member of a team and one optional topic. The practical elements of the course are assessed through an external moderation during the final term of Year 11. The remaining 10% of the course is attained through the development and completion of a Personal Exercise Programme (PEP) to help monitor the progress in the performance you achieve during the two years on the course.
Assessment
Year 10 Summer Term
Controlled assessment, completion of PEP paperwork
Year 11 Autumn Term
Mock examination
Year 11 Spring Term
Completion of PEP practical
Year 11 Summer Term
Terminal examinations
Fitness and Body Systems (1 hour 45 mins)
Health and Performance (1 hour 15 mins)
Practical Performance (external moderation)
What skills do students need to develop to be successful at this course?
In order to be successful on this course students need to be on track to achieve a minimum grade 6 in the practical aspects of PE at GCSE. If students play for a team or are a member of an extracurricular club outside school, this will also aid the progress they make on this course.
Due to the increased theoretical components, students should also be on track to achieve a minimum grade 5 in English and a science at GCSE.
What could this qualification be used for?
This course will enable students to follow A level Physical Education and will complement a range of other A level subjects, including biology and psychology due to the scientific content of the course.
Additional Information
This course provides the opportunity to progress onto other physical education related courses such as A level PE or BTEC Level 3 Sports Studies.
GCSE PE is a good foundation for a career in sports and physical education, as well as a wide range of others, including physiotherapy, sports business, sports psychology and nutrition.
The health and fitness industry is one of the fastest growing internationally so the GCSE PE course would be an exciting choice in a fast developing society.