WJEC GCSE Physical Education (PE) specification (3550)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Physical Education (PE) 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 WJEC GCSE Physical Education (PE) 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 WJEC GCSE Physical Education (PE) (3550) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE in Physical Education (PE) offers a practical and engaging course designed to inspire and motivate learners by linking theory and practice. It focuses on performance, health, and fitness, integrating audio-visual stimuli and case studies to contextualise knowledge.
This qualification enables learners to: • develop knowledge and understanding of factors underpinning physical activity and sport • apply knowledge to improve personal performance and health • perform effectively in a range of activities using appropriate techniques and strategies • analyse and evaluate performance to enhance effectiveness • understand how physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors influence participation and performance • gain insight into the impact of sport and activity in Wales and globally
The course combines rigorous theoretical understanding with practical assessment, aiming to prepare learners for further study and lifelong involvement in physical activity:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Introduction to physical education
- Assessed by written exam (2 hours, 50%)
- Covers five key content areas:
1. Health, training and exercise
- Importance of exercise for health, fitness and well-being
- Risks of sedentary lifestyle; diet and nutrition; fitness components
- Fitness testing, training methods, principles and warm-up/cool-down
- Data collection, analysis, and presentation
2. Exercise physiology
- Structure and function of muscular-skeletal and cardio-respiratory systems
- Aerobic vs anaerobic exercise; effects of exercise short/long term
- Role of nutrients; data handling and health connections
3. Movement analysis
- Types of muscle contractions, lever systems, planes and axes
- Technological impact on performance and officiating
- Data application in movement evaluation
4. Psychology of sport and physical activity
- Goal setting (SMART), mental preparation, types of guidance
- Skill classifications, practice types, and feedback models
- Motivation, characteristics of skilled performance, data application
5. Socio-cultural issues
- Influences on participation: peers, cost, access, role models
- Commercialisation, media, ethics, campaigns for inclusivity
- Provision for target groups; data analysis application
Unit 2: The active participant in physical education
- NEA (50%), marked out of 100
Practical Performance
- Three activities: one team, one individual, and one other
- Demonstrates skill execution, tactics, decision making, physical attributes
- Includes live or recorded assessment and moderation
Personal Fitness Programme
- Linked to major activity; minimum 8 weeks
- Includes self-analysis, planning, execution, and evaluation
- Evidence must include data collection and theoretical application:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Introduction to physical education
- Written examination: 2 hours
- 100 marks, 50% of qualification
- Questions based on audio-visual stimuli and sources
- Includes short and extended questions
Unit 2: The active participant in physical education
- Non-exam assessment (NEA): 50%
- 100 marks split between:
- Major activity and Personal Fitness Programme: 44 marks (22%)
- Two minor activities: 56 marks (28%)
- Internal assessment, externally moderated
- Assessment based on skills, decision-making, physical attributes, and evaluation
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 20%
- AO2: Application of knowledge – 20%
- AO3: Analysis and evaluation – 15%
- AO4: Practical skills and evaluation – 45%
Assessment Series and Resits
- All units assessed in May/June
- NEA marks can be carried forward
- Qualification available in English and Welsh mediums
- Grading: A*–G with U for unclassified results:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Physical Education (PE) 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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