What is covered in WJEC PE movement analysis?

This content area covers the biomechanics of movement: lever systems (the three classes of lever, the fulcrum, load and effort, and mechanical advantage), the planes and axes of movement (sagittal, frontal and transverse planes with their axes, and how to analyse a sporting action), and the use of sports technology in analysing and improving performance and in supporting officials. It is one of the five content areas of Unit 1.

How does movement analysis link to the rest of the course?

Movement analysis builds on exercise physiology: levers use the bones of the skeletal system and the effort of the muscular system, and the planes and axes describe the joint movements (flexion, extension, abduction, rotation) from the skeletal system topic. The technology section also links to the media and commercialisation in the socio-cultural area and to feedback in sport psychology.

How should I revise movement analysis?

Learn the three lever classes with the 1-2-3 = Fulcrum, Load, Effort rule and a body example for each, and learn which class gives mechanical advantage. Learn the three planes with their paired axes and the rule that the axis is at right angles to the plane. Then practise analysing sporting actions (a somersault, a cartwheel, a spin, a biceps curl) and evaluating the use of technology. Use WJEC past papers.

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WJEC GCSE PE: Movement analysis (Unit 1) overview

Q: How is this content examined in WJEC GCSE PE?

All five content areas, including movement analysis, are assessed in Unit 1: Introduction to physical education, a written examination of 2 hours worth 100 marks and 50% of the qualification. Questions use audio-visual stimuli and sources, which suits movement analysis well because a clip or diagram of an action can be analysed for the lever, plane and axis used.

An overview of the movement analysis content in WJEC GCSE Physical Education Unit 1, mapping lever systems, planes and axes of movement, and the use of sports technology in performance and officiating, and how they are examined.

Generated by Claude Opus 4.87 min readWJEC PE Unit 1: Movement analysisUpdated 2026-06-15

Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed

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The movement analysis content
How this area is examined
How to study this area
For the official specification

The third content area of WJEC GCSE Physical Education is movement analysis, the biomechanics of how the body moves. It covers the levers formed by the bones and muscles, the planes and axes used to describe an action, and the technology used to analyse and improve performance. This page maps the area and links to a focused answer page for each topic.

The movement analysis content

Lever systems: The three classes of lever, the fulcrum, load and effort, examples in the body, and mechanical advantage. See Lever systems.
Planes and axes of movement: The three planes (sagittal, frontal, transverse) and their paired axes, and how to analyse a sporting action. See Planes and axes of movement.
Sports technology in performance: How technology is used to analyse and improve performers and to support officials, with its advantages and disadvantages. See Sports technology in performance.

How this area is examined

This content is assessed in Unit 1: Introduction to physical education, a written examination of 2 hours, worth 100 marks and 50% of the qualification. Questions use audio-visual stimuli and sources, which suits movement analysis because a clip or diagram of an action can be analysed for the lever class, plane and axis it uses. Expect short analysis questions and longer "evaluate" questions on technology.

How to study this area

Movement analysis is small but technical, so precise recall and careful application win the marks.

Learn the lever classes with the 1-2-3 = Fulcrum, Load, Effort rule and a body example for each.
Know which class gives mechanical advantage (second class) and which gives speed and range (third class).
Learn the planes and axes pairings and the rule that the axis is at right angles to the plane.
Practise analysing actions such as a somersault, a cartwheel, a spin and a biceps curl.
Prepare a balanced argument on technology, ready to give advantages, disadvantages and a judgement.

For the official specification

WJEC publishes the full specification, past papers and mark schemes at wjec.co.uk. Always revise from the current specification and WJEC's own past papers.

Sources & how we know this

WJEC GCSE Physical Education specification (from 2016) — WJEC (2016)