It is essential that candidates understand that there have been significant changes made to GCSE Physical Education from 2016. The content has been designed to allow learners to study PE in an academic setting, allowing them to critically analyse and evaluate physical performances and apply their experience of practical activities in developing their knowledge and understanding of the subject.
The course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology. Learners will also develop the transferable skills that are in demand by further education, higher education and employers in all sectors of industry.
As well as the theory element of the course, there is an emphasis on sporting performance in this subject and it is therefore essential that prospective candidates must regularly participate in at least one team sport and one individual sport beyond their normal games and PE lessons.
Theory components: Applied anatomy and physiology, physical training, socio-cultural influences, sports psychology , health, fitness and well-being and use of data.
Practical coursework: At the beginning of the course, candidates select three practical activities from a set list; these activities must consist of at least one team sport and one individual sport. Candidates must then keep a log of their participation in these activities over the two years of the course. Candidates may offer sports from outside of the school curriculum through the use of video evidence which can be submitted to the exam board for assessment, however evidence of this must be in a competitive setting.
Evaluating and Analysing Performance (EAP): Each candidate is required to complete a piece of written coursework on one of their three chosen activities. It will include: an analysis of aspects of personal performance in a practical activity, an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the performance and an action plan which aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of the performance.
Assessment: Two written papers (one hour long each and work 30% each of the final grade), practical coursework for three sports (30% of final grade) and analysis of performance, one sport (10% of final grade).
Pupils may choose to continue their physical education studies in Year 12 and 13 where the school offers A level courses.
Career paths are wide ranging and include: sports therapy, sports psychology, physiotherapy, PE teaching, exercise science, personal training, sports nutrition, sports event management, armed forces, outdoor pursuit training, fitness instruction or sports coaching.
Can you summarize the changes made to GCSE Physical Education from 2016?
This prompt doesn't seem malicious.