GCSE Physical Education and Health (WJEC – Wales)

GCSE Physical Education and Health (WJEC – Wales)

First teaching: September 2026
First qualification awarded: Summer 2028
Exam board: WJEC (made for Wales)

GCSE Physical Education and Health combines practical performance with the study of health, wellbeing and physical activity. The course supports students to develop a lifelong understanding of healthy lifestyles, alongside confidence, resilience and teamwork.

Course Overview

GCSE Physical Education and Health is a two‑year course studied in Years 10 and 11. The qualification is linear, meaning all assessment contributes to a final grade at the end of the course.

The course balances:

  • Theory (understanding health, wellbeing and performance)
  • Practical activity (performing, coaching and personal fitness training)

Assessment Structure

Unit 1 – Principles of Physical Education and Health

  • Assessment: Digital written examination
  • Exam length: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Weighting: 40%

What students study:

  • Health, wellbeing and physical activity
  • Diet, nutrition and exercise
  • How the body responds to short‑ and long‑term exercise
  • Psychological factors such as motivation, confidence and anxiety
  • Social and cultural influences on participation in sport

Unit 2 – Performance and Personal Training

  • Assessment: Non‑examination assessment (practical)
  • Weighting: 60%
  • Assessment is completed in the final year of the course

What students do:

  • Performance 1 (20%) – Perform in one sport or physical activity
  • Performance 2 or Coaching (20%) – Perform in a second activity or coach a sport or activity
  • Personal Training (20%) – Plan, complete and evaluate an 8–10 week personal training programme

Sports and activities are chosen from an approved list and can include team or individual activities. Adapted sports may also be assessed where appropriate.

Skills Students Will Develop

Throughout the course, students will:

  • Improve practical performance and movement skills
  • Learn how to analyse and improve performance
  • Understand how diet, exercise and lifestyle affect health
  • Develop confidence, leadership and teamwork
  • Plan, monitor and evaluate a personal fitness programme
  • Build decision‑making, communication and reflective skills

Why Study GCSE Physical Education and Health?

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Enjoy being physically active
  • Want to understand how to stay healthy and active for life
  • Are interested in sport, fitness, coaching or wellbeing careers

GCSE Physical Education and Health provides strong preparation for:

  • AS and A level Physical Education
  • Courses and careers in sport, health, fitness, coaching and leisure
  • Developing lifelong healthy habits and physical confidence