GCSE Physical Education (2017)

The CCEA GCSE Physical Education specification offers opportunities to develop a healthy, active lifestyle and explore a range of physical activities.

It inspires, motivates and challenges students and enables them to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career pathways.

Students explore health, the active leisure industry, physical fitness, activities and sports through academic and physical challenges.

The three components of the specification are integrated, so students apply what they learn for the written examinations to the practical component, and vice versa. This provides a good base for further study at advanced level, for example our GCE Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Physical Education Area of Learning.

This specification is a linear qualification: students take all the assessment at the end of the course.

The specification has three components:

  • Component 1: Factors Underpinning Health and Performance
  • Component 2: Developing Performance
  • Component 3: Individual Performances in Physical Activities.

Current Specification

First teaching: from September 2017
First assessment: from Summer 2019
First award: from Summer 2019
QAN: 603/0738/9
Subject code: 7210
Guided learning hours: 120
Qualification level: 1/2

Skills developed through our GCSE Physical Education

This specification supports the Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 4 and gives students further opportunities to achieve their potential and develop skills for life.

These skills include communication, using mathematics, working with others, problem solving, managing information and being creative.

Physical activity promotes mental and social wellbeing and develops self-esteem, creative thinking and interpersonal skills.

With this qualification, students may choose to study our GCE Sports Science and the Active Leisure Industry. 

Studying Physical Education develops a range of transferable skills and provides career opportunities in areas such as recreation and leisure, education, event management and health and wellbeing.

Additional Support

Public Health Agency publications that support this specification include:

For more information on this specification contact:

Donal Gallagher
Subject Officer
(028) 9590 6700
Arlene Ashfield
Specification Support Officer
(028) 9590 6678