Cambridge (CIE) AS Sport & Physical Education specification (8386)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) AS Sport & Physical Education exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) AS Sport & Physical Education specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) AS Sport & Physical Education (8386) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Cambridge International AS Level Sport & Physical Education course aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles underpinning performance in sport and physical activity. The course provides insights into how the body functions during exercise, how skills are acquired, and the sociocultural influences affecting sport participation and elite performance. Learners are encouraged to think critically, evaluate evidence, and apply concepts practically to improve performance and promote health and well-being. The syllabus supports the development of skills relevant to higher education and careers in sport, physical education, and related fields. It also nurtures responsible, reflective, and innovative approaches to sports participation and performance.Subject content breakdown
1. Joints, movements and muscles
- Types of synovial joints, articulating bones, and movement types
- Agonist and antagonist roles, fixators in movement
- Types of muscle contraction: concentric, eccentric, isometric
- Muscle fibre types: SO, FOG, FG; structure, function, and usage
- Movement analysis: joints, bones, muscles, movements, contractions
2. Biomechanics
- Linear motion, scalar/vector quantities, graphs of motion
- Newton’s laws applied to sport
- Angular motion: momentum, inertia, velocity, conservation principles
- Parabolic and non-parabolic flight; factors affecting projectile motion
- Stability and centre of mass factors
3. The cardiovascular system
- Heart structure, function, conduction system, cardiac cycle
- Heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output; factors and typical values
- Starling’s law; control of heart rate; responses to exercise and recovery
- Vascular system: venous return mechanisms, vascular shunt
4. The respiratory system
- Breathing mechanics and regulation; respiratory muscles
- Breathing volumes; typical values at rest and during exercise
- Gaseous exchange; oxygen and carbon dioxide transport
- Regulation of breathing; responses and adaptations to exercise
5. Skill and ability
- Skill classification continua and justifications
- Characteristics of abilities and their roles in performance
6. Theories of learning
- Motor programmes and subroutines
- Theories of learning: operant conditioning, cognitive, observational learning
- Schmidt’s schema theory and application in skill development
7. Information processing
- Information processing stages; feedback types and importance
- Memory processes and strategies for information retention
- Response time components and influencing factors; reaction time theories
8. Practice and learning
- Types of practice and evaluation
- Types of guidance and evaluation
- Stages of learning; feedback, practice, guidance applications
- Transfer of learning; strategies to optimise/limit transfer
- Types of motivation and their evaluation
9. Sociocultural issues
- Differences between sport and physical education
- Characteristics and values of sport; undesirable outcomes
- Characteristics of physical education; planned learning and participation
- Factors influencing regular participation; benefits for individuals and society
- Achieving excellence in sport; elitism, provision, pathways
10. Ethics and deviance
- Use of performance-enhancing drugs; reasons, consequences, reduction strategies
- Causes and consequences of violence; prevention strategies
- Competition manipulation; forms, consequences, prevention
11. Commercialisation and the media
- Factors leading to commercialisation
- The golden triangle of sport, media, and sponsorship
- Evaluation of commercialisation impacts on stakeholders
12. The use of technology
- Types of technology in sport and their applications
- Evaluation of advantages and disadvantages for performers, sponsors, events, officials, and spectators
Assessment structure
Component 1: Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes written exam
- 70 marks
- Structured and extended response questions assessing knowledge (AO1) and application (AO2)
- 50% of AS Level
Component 2: Coursework
- 70 marks, internally assessed, externally moderated
- Assessment of two physical activities chosen from the syllabus list
- Evaluated on skills, tactical awareness, effective performance, and competitive participation
- 50% of AS Level
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 25%
- AO2: Application of knowledge – 25%
- AO3: Practical performance – 50%
Mathematical Requirements
- Data recording, interpretation, graphical analysis, calculations, algebraic manipulation, rate of change analysis
Practical Assessment Guidance
- Filmed evidence required for moderation
- Log of competitive participation mandatory for all candidates
- Assessment criteria based on range and quality of skills, tactical awareness, and overall performance in authentic conditions
Availability
- June and November series
- No private candidates allowed
- Marks from coursework may be carried forward under specific conditions
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) AS Sport & Physical Education isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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