Frequently Asked Questions

No, students don’t need any previous knowledge of the subject. However, we recommend that students taking this course should:

• take part regularly in physical education;
• show that they can lead a balanced, healthy lifestyle;
• show that they can evaluate and improve their own performance in physical activities; and
• have worked with others and experienced a range of roles.

Yes, in any one examination series we do not allow students to sit exams on this specification if they are also entered for other GCSE exams in a specification with Physical Education in the title.

We award GCSE qualifications on an eight grade scale from A*–G, with A* being the highest. For students who fail to attain a grade G, we report their results as unclassified (U).

Yes, students must demonstrate the quality of their written communication. In particular, they must:

• ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that meaning is clear;
• select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to their purpose and to complex subject matter; and
• organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

Examiners assess the quality of students’ written communication in their responses to questions and tasks requiring extended writing in the terminal examination.

This specification gives students the chance to develop the following Key Skills:

• Application of Number;
• Communication;
• Information and Communications Technology;
• Improving Own Learning and Performance;
• Problem-Solving; and
• Working with Others.