Year 10 – 11

Physical Education

Key Stage: KS4

Exam Board: AQA (Year 10 onwards)
Edexcel (Final Year 11 cohort)

Qualification Gained: GCSE Physical Education

Assessment breakdown:

Written Exams (AQA)

Students complete two written exam papers:

  • Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport
  • Paper 2: Socio-cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)

  • Practical performance in three sports (team, individual or both)
  • Written coursework analysing performance and creating an action plan for improvement

GCSE PE at Hammersmith Academy enables students to develop a deep understanding of physical activity, anatomy, sports psychology and performance. The course blends theory and practical learning, empowering students to analyse performance, understand the science behind movement, and improve their own sporting ability. Our aim is to inspire students to lead healthy, active lives while developing confidence, resilience and a passion for physical activity.

The GCSE PE curriculum is designed to give students a broad and balanced understanding of sport and physical activity. Through theory lessons, practical participation and independent coursework, students explore how the body works in response to exercise, how to optimise performance, and how sport impacts individuals and society.

From September 2025, students study the AQA GCSE PE specification, which offers a wide range of theoretical content across:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Movement Analysis
  • Physical Training
  • Sports Psychology
  • Socio-cultural Influences
  • Health, Fitness & Wellbeing

Current Year 11 students complete the Edexcel GCSE PE qualification, with Year 10 beginning AQA.

Practical performance is managed across both years, allowing students to develop skills in selected activities, demonstrate progress, and complete their written NEA coursework once they have mastered the necessary theory.

Curriculum Overview

Year 10 (AQA Specification)

Year 10 introduces students to key theory topics and begins the practical assessment process. Theory is taught in logical phases that align directly with coursework expectations.

Modules:

  • Module 1: Paper 1 — Components of Fitness & Types of Training + Handball
  • Module 2: Paper 2 — Optimising Performance + Handball
  • Module 3: Paper 1 — Injury Prevention + Table Tennis / Dance
  • Module 4: Paper 2 — Health & Wellbeing + Football / Basketball
  • Module 5: Paper 2 — Ethical & Socio-cultural Influences + Athletics
  • Module 6: Theory Consolidation

Throughout the year, students complete mock papers for both exams to assess progress and identify areas for development.

Year 11 (AQA Specification)

Year 11 focuses on more advanced anatomy and physiology as well as synoptic revision and exam preparation.

Modules:

  • Module 1: Paper 1 — The Body Systems + Handball & Football/Netball
  • Module 2: Paper 2 — Sport Psychology + Dance, Table Tennis & Basketball
  • Module 3: Paper 1 — Movement Analysis + Practical Development
  • Module 4: Combined Theory & Practical Refinement
  • Modules 5 & 6: Revision & Exam Preparation

Practical performance is continually assessed and refined to ensure students achieve their best outcomes.

Skills Gained

Completing GCSE PE prepares students for:

  • A-Level PE
  • BTEC / vocational sport qualifications
  • Sports coaching and personal training
  • Physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation
  • Sports psychology
  • PE teaching
  • Fitness instruction
  • Nutrition and sports science
  • Officiating and sports administration

The combination of theory and practical application forms a strong foundation for all sport-related pathways.

Partnerships & Enrichment

GCSE PE students benefit from a rich programme of extracurricular opportunities, including:

  • Competitive school fixtures across multiple sports
  • Athletics events and borough competitions
  • Access to specialist clubs and community partners
  • Leadership roles in school sports
  • Fitness, dance and team sports enrichment

Practical performance is also strengthened through the Academy’s wider partnerships, including rowing and BMX opportunities offered through Core PE.

Potential Careers

Physical Education develops knowledge of the body, performance and health, supporting pathways such as:

Sports Science | Coaching and Sports Development | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation | Fitness and Personal Training | Sports Psychology | Teaching and Education | Leisure and Recreation Management

These pathways combine practical performance with scientific understanding, supporting further study and careers in sport and health-related fields.