← Physical Education syllabus

WalesPhysical Education

Unit 1: Health, training and exercise

8 dot points across 8 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 does each one matter in different sports?

The health-related and skill-related components of fitness, their definitions, and a sporting example of where each is important.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on components of fitness, covering the health-related components (cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, strength, flexibility, body composition) and the skill-related components (agility, balance, coordination, power, reaction time, speed) with definitions and sporting examples.
9 min answer →

How is each component of fitness measured, and what makes a fitness test reliable and valid?

The standard fitness tests matched to each component of fitness, how each test is carried out, and the reasons for testing, including reliability and validity.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on fitness testing, covering the standard test for each component of fitness, how each is carried out and measured, the reasons for testing, and what reliability and validity mean when interpreting results.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between health, fitness and well-being, and how does an active lifestyle improve all three?

The definitions of health, fitness and well-being, the relationship between them, and the physical, mental and social benefits of taking part in physical activity.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on health, fitness and well-being, covering the precise definition of each term, how the three are linked, and the physical, mental and social benefits of a physically active lifestyle that examiners reward.
9 min answer →

What are the main methods of training, and how do you choose the right one for a performer?

The methods of training (continuous, interval, fartlek, circuit, weight, plyometric and flexibility), what each develops, and how to choose a method to suit the individual and the activity.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on methods of training, covering continuous, interval, fartlek, circuit, weight, plyometric and flexibility training, what component of fitness each develops, and how to select a method to suit the performer and their sport.
10 min answer →

What principles must a training programme follow to improve fitness, and how is overload applied through FITT?

The principles of training (specificity, progression, overload, reversibility and variance), how overload is applied through the FITT principle, and the idea of individual needs and tedium.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on the principles of training, covering specificity, progression, overload, reversibility and variance, how overload is applied through the FITT principle (frequency, intensity, time, type), and why training must be individual and avoid tedium.
9 min answer →

What are the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, and what does a balanced diet provide for a performer?

The risks of a sedentary lifestyle, the components of a balanced diet, the role of the main nutrients, energy balance and the importance of hydration.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on lifestyle and nutrition, covering the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle, the components of a balanced diet, the roles of carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water, energy balance, and hydration for sport.
9 min answer →

How do you work out maximum heart rate and the aerobic and anaerobic training zones?

Maximum heart rate and the calculation of aerobic and anaerobic training zones, and the link between training intensity and aerobic or anaerobic exercise.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on training zones and heart rate, covering how to estimate maximum heart rate, how to calculate the aerobic and anaerobic training zones as percentages, and how training intensity decides whether exercise is aerobic or anaerobic.
9 min answer →

What should a warm-up and cool-down include, and why does each benefit a performer?

The structure and components of a warm-up and a cool-down, their physiological benefits, and the handling of data when planning and reviewing training.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on warm-up and cool-down, covering the three parts of a warm-up, the parts of a cool-down, the physiological benefits of each, and how performers collect, present and interpret training data.
9 min answer →