← Physical Education syllabus

WalesPhysical Education

Unit 1: Psychology of sport

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

How are skills classified, and what makes a movement a skill rather than just an ability?

The classification of skills on continua (basic and complex, open and closed, and others), the difference between skill and ability, and the characteristics of a skilled performance.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on skill classification, covering the continua used to classify skills (basic to complex, open to closed, and others), the difference between a skill and an ability, and the characteristics of a skilled performance.
9 min answer →

Why do performers set goals, and what makes a SMART target effective?

The reasons for setting goals, the SMART principle for writing effective targets, and the difference between outcome and performance goals.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on goal setting, covering why performers set goals, the SMART principle (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound) for writing effective targets, and the difference between outcome and performance goals.
9 min answer →

What types of guidance and feedback can a coach use, and which suit a beginner or an expert?

The types of guidance (visual, verbal, manual and mechanical) and the types of feedback (positive and negative, intrinsic and extrinsic, knowledge of results and performance), and when each is most useful.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on guidance and feedback, covering the four types of guidance (visual, verbal, manual and mechanical), the types of feedback (positive and negative, intrinsic and extrinsic, knowledge of results and knowledge of performance), and which suit a beginner or an experienced performer.
9 min answer →

How does a performer take in information and turn it into a movement?

The basic information processing model (input, decision making, output and feedback) and how a performer uses it to produce and refine a skill.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on information processing, covering the basic model (input, decision making, output and feedback), the role of the senses and memory, and how a performer uses the model to produce and refine a skill in a game situation.
9 min answer →

How do performers prepare mentally for sport, and what motivates them?

Mental preparation techniques and the effect of arousal on performance, and the types of motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic) and how they affect a performer.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on mental preparation and motivation, covering mental preparation techniques, the effect of arousal on performance, and the types of motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic) and how each affects a performer.
9 min answer →

What stages does a performer go through when learning a skill, and which types of practice suit each?

The stages of learning (cognitive, associative and autonomous) and the types of practice (massed, distributed, whole and part) and when each is suitable.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE PE topic on learning and practice, covering the three stages of learning (cognitive, associative and autonomous), the four types of practice (massed, distributed, whole and part) and how to choose a practice method to suit the skill and the learner.
9 min answer →