GCSE Physical Education
Over the next two years, you will study both the practical and theoretical aspects of sport and physical activity. GCSE PE will help you develop a deeper understanding of how the body works, how athletes perform, how sport impacts society and how performance can be improved.
This guide is designed to help you prepare for the course over the summer holidays and begin developing the habits that successful GCSE PE pupils demonstrate.
What Will You Study?
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• The skeletal system
• The muscular system
• The cardiovascular system
• The respiratory system
• Movement analysis
• Physical training and fitness
Health and Performance
• Components of fitness
• Methods of training
• Diet and nutrition
• Sport psychology
• Goal setting and motivation
• Commercialisation and media in sport
• Ethics and performance-enhancing drugs
Practical Performance: You will be assessed in practical activities and will work to improve your performance throughout the course.
Summer Preparation Tasks
You do not need to complete everything below. Choose activities that interest you and help build your understanding of sport.
Watch Sport Like an Analyst
This summer, try watching sporting events (FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, Tour De France, Athletics, Cricket Tests, Formula 1) and ask yourself:
• What fitness components are being used?
• What muscles are working?
• How does pressure affect performance?
• How do athletes stay motivated?
• What tactics are being used?
• How does technology influence decisions?
Recommended
Documentaries
The Last Dance: Leadership, Motivation, Teamwork and Pressure
Formula 1: Drive to Survive: Performance under pressure, Team dynamics and Sports psychology
Tour de France: Unchained: Endurance, Recovery, Nutrition and Training methods
Rising Phoenix: Paralympic sport and Equality & inclusion
Explore These Topic
The Body
• Major bones
• Major muscles
• Heart function
• Lungs and breathing
• Components of fitness
Sports Psychology
• Motivation
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Goal setting
Contemporary Issues
• VAR and technology in sport
• Social media and athletes
• Gender in sport
• Drugs in sport
• Equality and diversity
Optional Challenge Activities (choose one)
Option 1: Create a profile of your favourite athlete and explain:
• Their strengths
• Their training methods
• Their mental qualities
• Why they are successful
Option 2: Watch a sporting event and write a one-page analysis explaining:
• Physical demands
• Psychological demands
• Fitness requirements
Option 3: Investigate a controversial sporting issue and present your findings.
• VAR in football
• Technology in athletics
• Gender eligibility rules
• Performance-enhancing drugs