IGCSE in Physical Education

The British International School Shanghai, Puxi, IGCSE Physical Education course includes a wide range of material that is designed to help students develop knowledge and understanding through practical involvement.

If you have an interest in playing a range of sports and have an interest in discovering the theoretical elements that underpin sports performance, then you will thoroughly enjoy and succeed in the IGCSE PE course.

The physical education IGCSE course will take students’ sporting prowess to a higher level while simultaneously helping students understand the physical, social and psychological links to sport involvement. The IGCSE physical education lesson plans involve a practical element; however, you must bear in mind that there is a significant theoretical component, which is taught in the classroom.

IGCSE PE course components

The theory element of the course will be assessed at the end of Year 11 and is worth 50% of your overall grade. This includes one exam paper, lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, which will include a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions. Theory topics include anatomy and physiology; health, fitness and training; skill acquisition and psychology; social, cultural and ethical issues.

The practical element is worth the remaining 50% and includes assessments from four different sports covering at least two different categories (games, dance, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, OAA, combat) offered by the exam board. Practical assessments will take place throughout the two-year course and will cover a variety of activities. For this reason, you must be willing to fully engage in all practical activities during curriculum time, as well as committing to extracurricular activities (ECAs) to further improve your marks. A student can be assessed in activities not covered in lessons so long as video evidence submitted demonstrates the assessment criteria.

If you love physical activity, sports, and are interested in developing a deeper understanding of the theoretical principles underpinning performance, then the IGCSE Physical Education course is the ideal choice for you. Additionally, this course is great for building the foundations which are necessary for the IBDP Sport, Exercise and Health Science course.

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