All pupils in key stage 4 have physical education. During key stage 4, pupils tackle complex and demanding activities, applying their knowledge of skills, techniques and effective performance. They decide whether to get involved in physical activity that is mainly focused on competing or performing, on promoting health and wellbeing, or on developing personal fitness.
They also decide on which roles suit them best including performer, coach, choreographer, leader and official. The view they have of their skillfulness and physical competence gives them the confidence to get involved in exercise and activity out of school and in later life.
During key stage 4, pupils will participate in the following activities:
In Years 10 and 11, GCSE Physical Education is an option subject. The two year course follows a scheme of study provided by the Edexcel London Examination Board.
Summary of the specification content for the course:
Paper 1: Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes – 40%
It is important that students understand why people get involved in physical activity, and the long-term health benefits of a sustained active lifestyle, including key influences that impact on people’s involvement in physical activity.
Students will understand the relationship between exercise, diet, work and rest, and how, together, they contribute to a balanced healthy lifestyle. The relationship between health, fitness and exercise and the effects of exercise and fitness on participation should also be explored with the understanding that ‘fitness’ does not always result in good health. Students will gain knowledge of the impact of a healthy, active lifestyle on their cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems and general wellbeing.
Students will learn about:
- The relationship between health-related exercise and performance in physical activity, and how an individual’s skill-related fitness can be affected by health-related exercise.
- How performance in physical activity is linked to skill-related fitness
- How exercise can achieve desired effects on health, fitness and performance
- How rest and physical activity in combination contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
- That, although they can be looked at separately, body systems do not work in isolation and that good physical and mental health depends on the interaction of all these body systems during exercise and physical activity.
- The Impact of physical activity and exercise on the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems (over the short and long term).
- How lifestyle choices (such as exercise, diet, rest and drugs) affect those systems, fitness levels and the mind and body in general.
- How a lifestyle that contributes positively to physical, mental and social wellbeing, and which includes regular exercise and physical activity in conjunction, is what makes a healthy, active lifestyle.
Paper 2: Practical activities – 60%
Section 1 - four practical performances in the role of either player/participant, leader or official. You can achieve 48 per cent of the marks from your four performances, two of which may be in the role of a leader or official.
Section 2 – analysis of performance in one of the chosen activities. This will be worth 12 per cent of the marks and should include planning, performing and evaluating a Personal Exercise Programme.
Group A: Outwitting opponents (for example in games activities)