Why choose this subject?

Studying Physical Education, Health and Fitness opens students' eyes to the amazing world of sports performance, allowing them to follow a pathway on either the GCSE PE qualification or the VCERT Health and Fitness qualification as student’s transition from Year 9 into Year 10.   

Not only will students have the chance to perform in a variety of sports through the practical component of the course, they can also develop wide-ranging knowledge into the how and why of physical activity and sport.   The combination of physical performance and academic challenge provides an exciting opportunity for every student.   They can perform, and then through the academic study, learn how to improve their performance through application of the theory.  

Physical Education, Health and Fitness is learned about through a range of different contexts and the impact it has on our own and others’ everyday lives. 

Course content

The emphasis throughout the course is on introducing the concepts within Physical Education, Health and Fitness and relating these to performance whilst developing students’ knowledge, competence and confidence in a wide variety of skills that will enable them to confidently move forward in life. The theoretical side of the course is complemented by the practical element where students will get to put this newly learned theory into practice and improve and develop in their chosen activities.

Students will learn the reasons why we do things and why some people outperform others – mentally and physically. They also delve into the ethical considerations behind the use of drugs and gain an understanding of the consequences of inactivity and poor diet.  Physical Education, Health and Fitness includes the study of: Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Training, Sports Psychology, Socio-cultural Influences and Health, Fitness and Wellbeing.  Alongside this are the skills of Physical Education, which are examined via the Non Exam Assessment (NEA) component.

Possible careers

Students who want to go on to AS or A Levels, higher education or any career for which an understanding of the human body or human behavior is desirable.  It provides a suitable introduction to further study in social sciences, or as part of a course of general education.  

Possible career paths include; Physiotherapy, Physical Education Teacher, Health and Fitness Instructor, Sports Scientist, Sports Analyst, Leisure Management and Lifestyle Coaches. 

If you have any questions about Physical Education, please contact Mr Harnett, Director of Sport.