1. GCSE Physical Education
FOR TEACHING FROM SEPTEMBER 2016

2. Why Are There Changes?
To bring GCSE and A level PE syllabuses in line with each other
Ensure that there is more continuity between GCSE and A level
Make the ‘jump’ from GCSE to A level easier

3. Course Overview
Theory
Practical
Coursework
60%
30%
10%

4. Theory Overview Course Component Content Assessment Value Component 1
Fitness & Body Systems
Applied anatomy and physiology
Movement analysis
Physical training
1 hour 45 minutes
Written Paper consisting of multiple choice, short answer & extended answer questions
90 marks
36% of overall grade
Component 2
Health & Performance
Health, fitness and well-being
Sport psychology
Socio-cultural influenes
1 hour 15 minutes
70 marks
24% of overall grade

5. Component 1 – Fitness & Body Systems
Applied Anatomy & Physiology
Structure and functions of the musculo-skeletal system
Structure and functions of the cardio-respiratory system
Anaerobic and aerobic exercise
Short and long term effects of exercise
Physical Training
Relationship between health and fitness and the role that exercise play in both
Components of fitness, suitability for sport and how fitness is measured and improved
Principles of training and applying them to a personal exercise/training programme
How to optimise training and prevent injury
Effective use of warm up and cool down
Movement Analysis
Lever systems, examples of their use in activity and the mechanical advantage they provide in movement
Planes and areas of movement
Use of Data
How data are collected – both qualitative and quantitative
Present data (including tables and graphs)
Analyse and evaluate data

6. Component 2 – Health & Performance
Sports Psychology
Classification of skills (basic/complex; open/closed)
The use of goal setting and SMART targets to improve and/or optimise performance
Guidance and feedback on performance
Mental preparation for performance
Socio-Cultural Influences
Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activity and sport
Commercialisation of physical activity and sport
Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
Health, Fitness & Well-Being
Physical, emotional and social health, fitness and well-being
The consequences of a sedentary lifestyle
Energy use, diet, nutrition and hydration
Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sort
Use of Data
Demonstrate an understanding of how data are collected – both qualitative and quantitative
Present data (including tables and graphs)
Analyse and evaluate data

7. Component 3 - Practical Performance
Course Component
Content
Assessment Value
Component 3
Practical Performance
Skills during individual activities
Skills during team activities
90 marks
30% of overall grade
Students will be required to:
Perform in three different physical activities in the role of player/performer
Demonstrate their skills in isolation/unopposed situations and demonstrate their skills in a formal/competitive situation while under pressure

8. Approved Activities List
Team Activities
Individual Activities
Association Football
Badminton
Baskeball
Hurling & Camogie
Cricket
Dance
Gaelic Football
Handball
Hockey
Lacrosse
Netball
Rowing
Rugby League
Rugby Union
Squash
Table Tennis
Tennis
Volleyball
Blind Cricket
Goal Ball
Powerchair football
(and wheelchair football)
Table Cricket
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Rugby
Amateur Boxing
Athletics – Field Events
Athletics – Track Events
Canoeing
Cycling
Diving
Golf
Gymnastics
Equestrian
Kayaking
Rock Climbing
Sculling
Skiing
Snowboarding
Swimming
Trampolining
Boccia
Polybat

9. Component 4 – Personal Exercise Programme
Course Component
Content
Assessment Value
Component 4
Personal Exercise Programme
Analysis of proposed PEP
Carrying out & monitoring the PEP
Evaluation of the PEP
20 marks
10% of overall grade
Performance Analysis
Students develop knowledge and understanding of:
The principles of training, relevant methods of training and use of data in order to analyse and evaluate their PEP
The PEP will cover a 6-8 week period, and can relate to any one physical activity of their choice from the activities list