← Physical Education syllabus

WalesPhysical Education

Unit 1: Exercise physiology

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and what is the role of lactic acid?

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise, the word equations for releasing energy, the build-up and removal of lactic acid, and the idea of oxygen debt and recovery.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on aerobic and anaerobic exercise, covering the difference between the two, the word equations for releasing energy, the build-up of lactic acid in anaerobic exercise, oxygen debt and how the body recovers after exercise.
9 min answer →

How does the body respond to a single bout of exercise, and how does it adapt to long-term training?

The short-term (immediate) responses of the body systems to exercise and the long-term adaptations that result from regular training.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on the effects of exercise, covering the short-term responses of the muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems to a single session and the long-term adaptations of these systems to regular training.
9 min answer →

How does the cardiovascular system deliver oxygen to the muscles, and how does it respond to exercise?

The structure and function of the heart, the pathway of double circulation, heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output, and the role of the blood vessels.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on the cardiovascular system, covering the structure and function of the heart, double circulation, the definitions and link between heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output, and the role of arteries, veins and capillaries.
9 min answer →

How do muscles work in pairs to create movement, and what are the different types of muscle contraction?

The major muscles of the body, how muscles work as antagonistic pairs, the types of muscle contraction (concentric, eccentric, isometric), and the types of muscle fibre.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on the muscular system, covering the major muscles, how muscles work as antagonistic pairs (agonist and antagonist), the types of muscle contraction (concentric, eccentric and isometric) and the two types of muscle fibre.
9 min answer →

How does breathing work, and how is oxygen exchanged at the alveoli during exercise?

The pathway of air and the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange at the alveoli, lung volumes, and how breathing changes during exercise.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on the respiratory system, covering the pathway of air, the mechanics of breathing (the role of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles), gas exchange at the alveoli, lung volumes including tidal volume, and the changes during exercise.
9 min answer →

What are the functions of the skeleton, and how do joints allow movement in sport?

The functions of the skeletal system, the main bones and types of bone, the types of synovial joint, and the movements they allow at the joints used in sport.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on the skeletal system, covering the functions of the skeleton, the main bones, the types of synovial joint (ball and socket, hinge), the structure of a synovial joint, and the joint movements used in sporting actions.
9 min answer →