Physical Education (GCSE & A Level)

GCSE and A Level Physical Education at NSSFC develop students’ understanding of the body, mind and society in relation to sport and physical activity. The course combines scientific theory, socio-cultural understanding and performance analysis.

Core strands:

  • Applied Anatomy and Physiology

  • Physical Training and Fitness

  • Skill Acquisition and Sports Psychology

  • Socio-cultural Influences

  • Biomechanics (A Level)

  • Exercise Physiology (A Level)

The curriculum is sequenced to build from foundational anatomy and training principles at GCSE to deeper physiological, biomechanical and psychological analysis at A Level.

Assessment includes written examinations and, at GCSE, a non-exam assessment (NEA) involving practical performance and analysis. Question Level Analysis (QLA) informs reteaching and targeted intervention, particularly in Year 11 and Year 13.

Independent learning includes structured exam practice, revision of command words, application tasks and coursework refinement.

 

Key Stage 3

There is no KS3 examined PE course. GCSE PE is an option subject chosen in Year 9 for study in Years 10 and 11.

Key Stage 4 – GCSE Physical Education

Students study:

  • Applied Anatomy and Physiology

  • Physical Training

  • Socio-cultural Influences

  • Sports Psychology

  • Health, Fitness and Wellbeing

  • Movement Analysis

  • Practical Performance and Performance Analysis (NEA)

Responsive Curriculum & QLA

Regular extended-response practice builds confidence in 6 and 9 mark questions. Mock exam QLA informs targeted reteaching of command words, data analysis and applied scenario questions.

KS4 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 10 Year 11
Autumn 1 The Human Body & Movement in Physical Activity The Human Body & Movement – Consolidation
Autumn 2 Socio-cultural Influences Socio-cultural Influences & Wellbeing
Spring 1 Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Physical Training & Fitness Testing
Spring 2 Applied Anatomy & Physiology NEA – Performance Analysis
Summer 1 Physical Training Methods Revision Paper 1
Summer 2 Movement Analysis Revision Paper 2 & Final Examination Preparation

Year 11 includes structured revision cycles, exam technique workshops and bespoke intervention sessions based on QLA and mock analysis.

Sixth Form – A Level Physical Education

Students follow an academically rigorous A Level pathway exploring scientific and socio-cultural aspects of sport.

Core Components

  • Anatomy & Physiology

  • Exercise Physiology

  • Biomechanics

  • Skill Acquisition

  • Sports Psychology

  • Sport & Society and Technology

  • Non-Exam Assessment (practical performance and evaluation)

Students are expected to analyse, evaluate and justify using A01–A03 command words, demonstrating applied understanding through extended written responses.

KS5 Curriculum Overview

Term Year 12 Year 13
Autumn 1 Anatomy & Physiology Exercise Physiology
Autumn 2 Skill Acquisition Biomechanics
Spring 1 Sport & Society Sports Psychology
Spring 2 Applied Physiology & Training Sport & Society & Technology
Summer 1 NEA Development NEA Completion
Summer 2 Exam Preparation Final Examination Preparation

The A Level develops advanced analytical skills, mathematical application in biomechanics, and evaluative essay writing aligned to university expectations.

Literacy, Careers and Personal Development

Vocabulary
Students develop precise disciplinary vocabulary including hypertrophy, stroke volume, agonist, antagonist, arousal, commercialisation, torque and neuromuscular control.

Knowledge Organisers
Each unit is supported by structured glossaries and retrieval resources aligned to exam command words.

Careers Links
PE pathways support progression into:

  • Physiotherapy

  • Sports Science

  • Sports Psychology

  • Biomechanics

  • Coaching and Performance Analysis

  • Strength & Conditioning

  • Rehabilitation and Therapy

  • Teaching

SMSC / Personal Development

Students develop:

  • Respect for physical and mental wellbeing

  • Understanding of ethical issues in sport (e.g. drugs, deviance, commercialisation)

  • Discipline and resilience in long-term training

  • Appreciation of equality and participation issues in sport

  • Critical awareness of media and technology in performance

Through the study of GCSE and A Level PE, students gain both academic rigour and a lifelong understanding of health, performance and society.