Overview
This lecture outlines the AQA GCSE Physical Education (8582) specification, covering course content, structure, assessments, and criteria for both theoretical and practical components.
Course Structure and Content
- The course is linear: exams and non-exam assessments (NEA) are completed at the end.
- Two written exams (Paper 1 and 2) and practical assessment make up the course.
- Major content areas: anatomy & physiology, movement analysis, physical training, use of data, sports psychology, socio-cultural influences, and health, fitness & wellbeing.
Assessment Overview
- Paper 1 (1hr 15min, 78 marks, 30%): covers anatomy, movement, training, and data use.
- Paper 2 (1hr 15min, 78 marks, 30%): covers sports psychology, socio-cultural influences, health & wellbeing, and data use.
- NEA (40%): assesses practical performance in three activities (at least one team and one individual), plus analysis and evaluation of performance.
The Human Body and Movement
- Learn the structure and functions of the musculoskeletal and cardio-respiratory systems.
- Understand types of joints, muscle actions, lever systems, planes and axes of movement.
- Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and their effects on the body.
Physical Training
- Understand the relationship between health and fitness and the benefits of exercise.
- Study components of fitness and fitness tests (e.g., Illinois Agility Test, Multi Stage Fitness Test).
- Apply principles of training (SPORT, FITT) to programs.
- Know methods for optimizing training and injury prevention, including warm up/cool down routines.
Use of Data
- Interpret qualitative vs. quantitative data.
- Present and analyze data using tables, bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts.
Sports Psychology and Wellbeing
- Understand skill classification and SMART goal setting.
- Learn models of information processing, types of guidance/feedback, and arousal theories.
- Distinguish between types of motivation and personality in sport.
Socio-Cultural Influences
- Analyze factors affecting participation in sport (e.g., gender, age, disability, socio-economic status).
- Understand the impact of commercialisation, sponsorship, media, technology, and ethics in sport.
- Examine issues like performance-enhancing drugs, spectator behavior, and strategies to prevent hooliganism.
Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing
- Recognize how participation benefits physical, emotional, and social health.
- Understand consequences of a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
- Learn about energy requirements, nutrition, hydration, and somatotypes (body types).
Practical Performance (NEA)
- Perform and be assessed in three activities from specified lists (team, individual, or specialist).
- Assessment includes skills in drills and full context, plus a written or oral analysis evaluating strengths, weaknesses, and action plans.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Linear qualification — assessment at the end of the course.
- NEA — Non-exam assessment, practical performance and analysis.
- SPORT/FITT — Principles for planning effective training programs.
- Qualitative data — descriptive data (e.g., observations).
- Quantitative data — numerical data (e.g., test scores).
- Sedentary lifestyle — little or no physical activity.
- Somatotype — body type classification (endomorph, mesomorph, ectomorph).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the official AQA specification for detailed activity lists and criteria.
- Prepare for practical assessments by practicing relevant skills and recording performances.
- Ensure analysis and evaluation are supported by evidence for NEA submission.
- Stay updated with AQA resources and deadlines at aqa.org.uk/8582.