specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Physical Education (0413) is a single-tier linear qualification with one written paper (Paper 1) worth 50% and a coursework component (Component 2) worth 50% covering practical performance in four activities from at least two different categories on the approved list. Grades A* to G available.
subject content
1. Anatomy and physiology
Paper 1- Skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- Structure and function of a synovial joint
- Components of blood; effects of exercise on body systems
2. Health, fitness and training
Paper 1- Health-related and skill-related components of fitness
- Principles of training, warm-up, cool-down, injury prevention
- Methods of training and how to assign stations to improve components of fitness
3. Skill acquisition and psychology
Paper 1- Motor skills, learning stages, information processing
- Motivation, arousal, feedback and goal setting
- Psychological factors influencing performance
4. Social, cultural and ethical influences
Paper 1- Social, cultural and economic factors affecting participation
- Barriers to participation and sport in different societies
- Ethical issues in sport including drugs, violence and fair play
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Theory) | All 4 theory topic areas | 1h 45m | 100 | 50% | Short-answer and structured questions testing AO1 and AO2. Candidates answer all questions and are required to refer to the approved physical activities as examples |
| Component 2 (Practical Performance, coursework) | Practical performance in 4 activities from at least two different categories on the approved list | Coursework | 100 | 50% | Practical performance assessed by teacher across 4 activities (each marked out of 25). Internally marked, externally moderated by Cambridge |
Theory and practical are weighted equally (50/50), broadly similar to UK GCSE PE. Students perform in 4 activities drawn from at least two different categories on Cambridge's approved list.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles that underpin performance in physical activity / sport. | 25% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of the theoretical principles to a variety of physical activities / sports, including the analysis and evaluation of performance. | 25% |
| AO3 | Demonstrate the ability to select and perform appropriate skills to produce effective performance in practical activities. | 50% |
key tips for success
Pick 4 practical activities carefully
Practical is 50% of the qualification. Pick 4 activities you're competitive in from Cambridge's approved list, drawn from at least two different categories.
Master anatomy diagrams
Paper 1 tests skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory systems. Learn to draw labelled diagrams and explain function.
Learn principles of training
Paper 1 tests components of fitness and principles of training (SPORT, FITT). Learn each with applied examples.
Answer with applied examples
Paper 1 requires you to refer to the approved physical activities in your answers. Use real activity examples to illustrate theory points; generic answers lose marks.
Learn socio-cultural factors globally
Cambridge is international. Paper 1 tests barriers to participation in different societies. Learn examples from multiple countries, not just UK.
Practise past papers
Cambridge past papers are widely available. Do timed practice for Paper 1. Practical is assessed continuously throughout the course.
Where to next
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