Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physical Education (PE) specification (0413 & 0995)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physical Education (PE) (0413 & 0995) 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
Cambridge IGCSE Physical Education (PE) provides learners with knowledge, skills and understanding of a range of relevant physical activities. The course develops the ability to plan, perform and evaluate physical activities, promoting effective and safe performance. It encourages an appreciation of the role of sport and physical activity in society and for personal health, fitness and well-being. The course also lays a sound foundation for advanced study and fosters enjoyment of physical activity. Learners will study both theoretical and practical aspects, covering anatomy, physiology, health, training, skill acquisition, psychology, and socio-cultural influences, alongside performing in a selection of physical activities.
Subject content breakdown
1 Anatomy and physiology
- Understand functions of the skeleton and classification of bones.
- Identify bones and joints; explain types of joints and movement.
- Locate and explain roles of major muscles and muscle fibre types.
- Explain antagonistic muscle action, breathing mechanics, gaseous exchange.
- Understand heart structure, blood vessels, cardiac output and circulatory response to exercise.
- Know aerobic/anaerobic respiration, energy supply, recovery, and exercise effects.
- Apply biomechanics concepts: force, levers, and their applications in physical activities.
2 Health, fitness and training
- Define health, fitness, and their interrelationship.
- Recognise components of fitness and fitness testing protocols.
- Understand principles of training (SPORT, FITT) and methods: continuous, weight, fartlek, plyometric, circuit, HIIT, altitude training.
- Know the benefits of warming up/cooling down.
- Understand diet, nutrients, energy sources, and balance.
3 Skill acquisition and psychology
- Distinguish skill and ability; factors affecting skill levels.
- Understand characteristics of skilled performance and skill continua.
- Apply information processing model and memory concepts.
- Explain stages of learning and feedback types.
- Recognise types of guidance and goal setting (SMARTER).
- Understand motivation, arousal (Inverted-U theory), anxiety types, and relaxation techniques.
- Identify personality types and their links to physical activity.
4 Social, cultural and ethical influences
- Define leisure, recreation, play, sport; factors influencing participation.
- Understand the sports development pyramid.
- Recognise types, advantages, and disadvantages of sponsorship and media.
- Identify global event impacts.
- Distinguish professional/amateur status.
- Understand the role and impact of technology in sport.
- Recognise barriers to access and participation; strategies to increase participation.
- Know types, reasons for, and consequences of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and blood doping.
- Understand spor
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes written paper.
- Worth 100 marks; contributes 50% of the qualification.
- Contains short answer and structured questions.
- All questions must be answered.
- Assesses theoretical knowledge and understanding (AO1 and AO2).
- External assessment.
Component 2 – Coursework
- Assesses performance in four physical activities from at least two different categories.
- Each activity marked out of 25; total of 100 marks, contributing 50% of the qualification.
- Categories include: Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Athletics, Outdoor and Adventurous, Swimming, Combat.
- Internally assessed and externally moderated.
- Assessment evidence includes filmed performances.
- Focus on consistent application of skills, rules, safety procedures, and performance evaluation.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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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