specification overview
AQA GCSE Physical Education (8582) is a single-tier linear qualification with two 1h 15m written papers (60% combined) and a non-exam assessment (40%) covering practical performance and written analysis. Paper 1 covers the human body and movement; Paper 2 covers socio-cultural influences and wellbeing.
subject content
1. The human body and movement in physical activity and sport
Paper 1- Applied anatomy and physiology (skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory)
- Movement analysis (levers, planes, axes)
- Physical training (fitness, principles of training, injury prevention)
- Use of data (interpreting graphs, tables)
2. Socio-cultural influences and wellbeing in physical activity and sport
Paper 2- Sports psychology (classification, goal setting, mental preparation, feedback)
- Socio-cultural influences (engagement, commercialisation, ethics)
- Health, fitness and wellbeing (physical, emotional, social)
- Use of data
3. Non-exam assessment: Practical performance + Analysis and Evaluation of Performance (AEP)
NEA- Practical performance in 3 activities (1 team, 1 individual, 1 free choice) from AQA's approved list
- Written AEP: analyse and evaluate performance in one activity for improvement
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (The human body and movement) | Anatomy and physiology, movement analysis, physical training | 1h 15m | 78 | 30% | Multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response (including one 9-mark essay) |
| Paper 2 (Socio-cultural influences and wellbeing) | Sports psychology, socio-cultural influences, health/fitness/wellbeing | 1h 15m | 78 | 30% | Multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response (including one 9-mark essay) |
| Non-exam assessment (Practical + AEP) | Practical performance in 3 activities + written Analysis and Evaluation of Performance | Coursework | 100 | 40% | Practical (75 marks total, 25 per activity) + AEP written coursework (25 marks). Internally marked, moderated by AQA |
Practical performance is assessed in 3 activities: 1 team, 1 individual, 1 either. Approved activities are listed by AQA. The AEP is a written coursework element analysing and evaluating performance in one chosen activity.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 25% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 20% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 15% |
| AO4 | Demonstrate and apply the relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport. Analyse and evaluate performance. | 40% |
key tips for success
Learn anatomy labelled diagrams
Paper 1 tests skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems with labelled diagrams. Practise drawing and labelling under time pressure.
Master movement analysis
Paper 1 tests planes, axes, lever systems (1st, 2nd, 3rd class). Learn worked examples for common sports movements (kicking, throwing, running).
Practise 9-mark extended responses
Both papers have one 9-mark essay each. Reward: intro, 3 developed points with examples, judgement. Practise the structure until automatic.
Pick NEA activities carefully
You need 1 team, 1 individual, 1 either activity from AQA's approved list. Pick activities you're already competitive in, the practical is 30% of your qualification.
Learn named theorists for sports psychology
Paper 2 tests named models: SMART goal setting, the basic information processing model (input, decision making, output, feedback) and the inverted-U theory of arousal. Learn each with application to sport.
Structure the AEP carefully
AEP (10% of qualification) rewards clear structure: analyse strengths/weaknesses, evaluate against theory, propose an action plan. Follow AQA's template.
Where to next
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