← Physical Education syllabus

EnglandPhysical Education

Physical training (Component 1)

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the components of fitness and why do different sports need different ones?

The definitions of health, fitness, exercise and performance, the eleven components of fitness, and their relative importance in different sports.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the components of fitness: the definitions of health, fitness, exercise and performance, the eleven components of fitness, and why their relative importance varies between sports.
8 min answer →

How do we test fitness and judge the results against normative data?

The value and purpose of fitness testing, the named tests for each component of fitness, and the interpretation of results against normative data.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on fitness testing: the value and purpose of testing, the named test for each component of fitness (Cooper, Illinois, grip dynamometer, sit and reach and more), and how to interpret results against normative data.
9 min answer →

How does the body adapt to weeks and months of training?

The long-term effects of aerobic and anaerobic training on the musculoskeletal and cardio-respiratory systems, and the importance of rest for adaptation.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the long-term effects of training: the adaptations of the musculoskeletal system (hypertrophy, bone density) and cardio-respiratory system (lower resting heart rate, increased stroke volume, capillarisation), and the importance of rest.
8 min answer →

How can performers prevent injury, and how do performance-enhancing drugs affect sport?

Injury prevention (PARQ, correct technique, protective equipment), common sports injuries and RICE, and the effects of performance-enhancing drugs.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on preventing injury: the use of a PARQ, correct technique and protective equipment, common injuries and the RICE treatment, and the positive and negative effects of performance-enhancing drugs.
9 min answer →

What principles should guide an effective and safe training programme?

The principles of training (individual needs, specificity, progressive overload, FITT, overtraining, reversibility) and the calculation of aerobic and anaerobic training zones.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on the principles of training: individual needs, specificity, progressive overload, FITT, overtraining and reversibility, and how to calculate the aerobic (60 to 80 percent) and anaerobic (80 to 90 percent) training zones from maximum heart rate.
9 min answer →

Which training method should a performer choose, and why?

The training methods (continuous, Fartlek, circuit, interval, plyometric, weight and fitness classes), the components they develop, and their advantages and disadvantages.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on training methods: continuous, Fartlek, circuit, interval, plyometric and weight training plus fitness classes, the component of fitness each develops, and their advantages and disadvantages.
9 min answer →

Why do performers warm up before and cool down after activity?

The purpose and importance of warm-ups and cool-downs, the phases of a warm-up, and the activities included in each.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE PE on warm-ups and cool-downs: their purpose and importance, the phases of a warm-up (pulse raiser, stretching, skill rehearsal), and the activities included in a cool-down.
7 min answer →