Curriculum Leader of Learning:	Mrs C Graham
	grahamc@christofidelis.org.uk
Course Studied:	AQA GCSE Physical Education

 

Why study PE?

GCSE PE is a challenging yet exciting course to choose. Students will develop their knowledge of the scientific under-pinning principles of elite sports performance. Students will learn how athletes prepare for global events and how they become champions. The course is interesting and enjoyable yet very demanding. Students will work with enthusiastic and motivated teachers who have a real passion for sport and success.

Course Outline

The GCSE Course will extend students knowledge and understanding from Key Stage 3. Students will learn about the principles that underpin elite sports performance. Students will be taught Anatomy and Physiology, Sports Psychology and Socio-Cultural Influences. A range of practical sports will be covered to ensure students have a repertoire of sporting knowledge to apply to exam questions along with practical assessments. Opportunities are offered for Rock Climbing, Skiing and Sports Leadership.

How is the course assessed?

There are two written examinations at the end of year 11:
Paper 1 – The Human Body & Movement in Physical Activity – 1 hour 15 minutes (30% of the GCSE)
Paper 2 – Socio-Cultural Influences in Physical Activity – 1 hour 15 minutes (30 % of the GCSE)
Practical Assessment – Assessed as a performer in three sports; one Individual activity, one team game and one other choice (30% of GCSE)
Coursework – A typed analysis of own sporting performance in one main sport (10% of GCSE).

What do the PE subject ambassadors think?

“I chose PE because it excites me, I love being active and learning how to improve my performance. Choose PE and learn about the human body and how it can be trained to compete at the highest level. The course is really exciting, you learn how to apply your knowledge to the exam questions and it builds on skills, sports and theory topics that you learn in years 7-9. Is a great subject because it is fun, enjoyable, the teachers are enthusiastic and really help us to understand the theory topics”

Where can this course lead?

The sporting industry has grown massively over the past few years and continues to expand. This course leads nicely into A Level PE and prepares students for a career in sport. PE is also highly recognised by universities and the public services. Previous students have gone on to become Physiotherapists, Midwives, Sports Coaches, PE Teachers, Personal Trainers and Police officers.

Career inspiration
From careers you know to opportunities you might never have imagined, discover where studying this subject could lead. Select the career to go to more information:

Career	What could you do?
PE Teacher	Inspire young people to develop their sporting skills and fitness.
Physiotherapist	Help people recover from injuries and improve their movement.
Sports Coach	Train and develop athletes and sports teams.
Sports Performance Analyst	Use video and data to help teams and athletes improve their performance.
Sports Psychologist	Help athletes develop confidence, concentration and mental resilience.
Biomechanist	Analyse human movement to improve performance and reduce injuries.