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Why study Physical Education?

Physical Education gives you the opportunity to develop sports performance skills in physical activities. You will develop your movement ability by taking part in team games and solo activities. You will learn about the link between fitness and good health. It is particularly suitable for those who love physical activity and enjoy learning in practical ways.

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:

What will I study?

This course gives you the opportunity to develop and enhance movement and performance skills and to apply knowledge and understanding to the analysis and evaluation of performance in physical activities. You will develop your thinking skills through planning, problem-solving and analysing performance.

The course consists of three compulsory units and the course assessment unit.

Physical Education: Performance Skills (9 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

  • develop a broad and comprehensive range of complex movement and performance skills
  • select, demonstrate, apply and adapt these skills, and use them to make informed decisions
  • develop knowledge and understanding of how these skills combine to produce effective outcomes
  • develop consistency, precision, control and fluency of movement
  • learn how to respond to and meet the demands of performance in a safe and effective way.

Physical Education: Factors Impacting on Performance (9 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

  • develop knowledge and understanding of the four factors that impact on personal performance in physical activities
  • consider how mental, emotional, social, and physical factors can influence effectiveness in performance
  • develop knowledge and understanding of a range of approaches for enhancing performance, and select and apply these to factors that impact on your personal performance
  • create development plans, monitor these and justify decisions relating to future personal development needs.

How will I be assessed?

Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)

The course assessment has two components:

  • a question paper (40 marks)
  • a performance (60 marks).

The question paper will sample from your breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills accumulated across the course. The question paper will be set and marked by SQA.

The performance will assess your ability to plan, prepare for, effectively perform and evaluate personal performance in one physical activity.

Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. You must pass all three units and the course assessment to gain the course qualification.

The course assessment is graded A-D. Your grade will depend on the total mark for all the units in your course. 

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

Further study, training or employment in:

Which jobs are related to this subject?

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Highers in a Nutshell - Physical Education (CfE Higher)