PE as a GCSE

[Orangeandgold]

Who did PE as a GCSE? Is it a decent qualification?

My DDs school has significantly cut down on the subjects they have for GCSE (No law, sociology, computer science) - they have the compulsory ones, languages and a few sporty options as they take pride in their sports facilities.

We are wondering if we should move schools or just select PE - but what is it like as a GCSE subject? What do you learn?

My AIBU is thinking that it’s not a “proper GCSE”.

yes it is a proper GCSE with as much content as any other. it has practical and theoretical aspects. It is suitable for students who like PE, not for students who don't. It also helps with science

I googled it for you

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/physical-education/gcse/physical-education-8582/specification-at-a-glance

It's a proper gcse
Much like some of the others you mention to be honest.
DDs school warn that it's quote heavy and sciency so if they are not academic/sciency they steer them to the BTEC instead.
They have practical lessons each week but it's mostly classroom theory lessons covering biology and psychology of sport performance and training. They sit two exams covering thus, plus their practical assessments.
It's obviously not as tough or academic if you like as English maths science etc but it's no easier than RE, media studies, art, music and probably languages.

There is more theory than practical and sports need to be filmed and submitted. My son loves the practical side but has found the theory really hard.

I think of "proper" GCSEs as being English, maths and science. As in, further training courses or university courses may ask for 5 GCSEs, including specifically English and maths for example, but it doesn't matter what the other 3 GCSEs are. So no difference in a GCSE in law or PE.

Let her pick what she enjoys. Life is hard enough as it is.

To add...when I chose my gcses and a levels I was advised against law and sociology. Many people see these as lesser GCSEs.

As an employer I would view PE and computer science as more relevant and on a parr with each other.

It's definitely a proper GCSE, but not one either of my two would have selected. The lack of computer based (computer science/imedia) GCSE offered would be a no for DS as that is his main focus and what he has chosen for college. I do think that PE has a lot of value though and isn't the easy choice.

Yes... my dd went to a GS which offered the latter two but not sociology or law.
Something like PE, art, drama or a tech subject can be a nice counterbalance to the more obviously academic subjects.

A good amount of the theory content nicely compliments the Biology science content giving students some great opportunities for application.

However if your DD wants to follow a CS future rather than a sporty one then perhaps moving would be better

It's also worth looking at sixth form/ college and potentially university entry requirements to ensure you don't close doors too soon - it shouldn't really make a different at level 2 but going from level 3 to uni courses it absolutely does.

A ‘proper’ gcse is whatever is going to help them advance in their career. So if they want to be a sports scientist, PE at gcse would be proper alright. In our house, our priority is art. I hate the thought of the arts not being ‘proper’ as per certain political rhetoric that’s being pushed as arts degrees are cut.

Yes my DS (now 23) did PE as one of his GCSES as he wanted to study sport science at college .
He chose humanities subjects as well , however he actually changed his mind when he was 17 and ended up becoming a chef .. but yes it’s a good recognised GCSE with a lot of theory

Ds2 did PE GCSE and also A level. He is now at a great uni studying a STEM subject. All good. It's very science based.

Yes it is a proper GCSE. Actually it's more commonly offered than law or sociology IME.

It's a good idea if a student does at least one sport outside school tho (but not necessarily to county level - ds played footy for a local team).

I am wondering @Orangeandgold what you mean by "a few sporty options" - there is PE GCSE and PE BTEC and that's about it. Does your dc do sport outside school? Does the school really not offer history or geography or RE or DT? What other options are there? Not sure I would move schools if otherwise happy.

Exactly.
I've got one artist and one computer nut so they ended up at different secondary schools. One has just finished college doing art and the other is starting in September doing Computing so was the right choice in both regards.

I would also say PE would probably be seen favourably if applying for something such as the police, army, fire service etc.

Though I doubt GCSE choices make that much difference.

There is dance as well

@clary they have vocational and GCSE PE. They have dance. They have textiles, music and art (I did drama and food tech as GCSEs which were super handy but I was told by teachers they were “easy”)

My DD was the one that was disappointed at her options and she is selecting PE as she feels that it’s the only one on the list she’s happy to do. I’m surprised at her reaction because she is pretty sporty, does a sport outside of school, is part of a squad and is very athletic. Plus her fav science is biology.

I told her I would get some real life examples of people that have studies PE at GCSE.

The following are compulsory
English, maths, science (obvs)
History or geography
language
RE

So she needs to pick 2 other subjects. She has time to think. She isn’t a fan of design subjects (even though at home we are super creative).

My daughter is doing it- she finds the science hard. And with regards to the sport they are benchmarked against every one else doing it- so for example if they chose horse riding they are scored against a child who competes- it’s not based on this own individual progress. So definitely tough.

Definitely a proper GCSE. Some unis accept A-level PE as a science for some courses. It’s not seen as a soft option.

It sounds like DD is quite sporty but the expectations are pretty high. At our local high school to do it, they’re expected to be excelling in at least 3 sports and competing within/outside of school. Worth bearing in mind. I remember when I was at school they suddenly decided dance was an acceptable option for GCSE PE. Cue all the dancey girls rushing to sign up and many of them struggled as they were decent dancers but poor at other sport.

My DS did GCSE PE and is doing it as one of his A levels. Assuming he gets the required grades he will be starting an engineering degree in the Autumn.
It's a perfectly good subject to study at both GCSE and A level with a good mix of practical and theoretical elements.

Is it double or triple science?
DD does compulsory Eng Lang, Eng Lit, maths and the chose 3 separate sciences. History & geography and PE. So her 3 options were the triple vs double science, extra humanity and PE.

Honestly-I'd be disappointed with that list of options for GCSE personally. I get where she is coming from. PE would be my choice out of those too.

Is she Y9? Or 8?
It's late to be picking for next year, and veryvearly for year after.
If you're basing it on this year's options but she is choosing next year? Be aware things change.
A lot is down to having the right staff to run the course.

YABU to think it isn't a 'proper' GCSE. It is heavily science focused.

However, as long as a person has a decent handful of the core subjects and range of subject types - which it seems like your dc has - then it doesn't matter if the final one is something perceived by some as 'less academic' (and I wouldn't say that included PE). It certainly wouldn't be worth moving schools over.

What I would say, is to find out how much of the practical side is covered in school, as when my dc was that age, so many of the parents on the side of the pitch were trying to film the club matches, to collect evidence and finding it really difficult. Plus, in a Team sport, you are reliant on getting "the action" needed to be caught on film, in that match. Easier with a solo sport like climbing perhaps where you can control what happens so much better.

My daughter has chosen PE GCSE but she's super sporty, competes at National level in showjumping and plays tennis every day outside of school. Plus is in the school sports teams for netball/cricket. So she chose it as an "easy" option but not sure how she will find the theory. She likes biology though, so hopefully she'll like it. Not sure what level sport is required for the practical assessment, but my understanding is that you can send videos of any sport done outside school, so it sounds pretty easy to show off your best skills as videos can be retaken.