Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physical Education Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physical Education (specification code 1PE0) combines theoretical knowledge of the science of sport with practical performance, assessed through two written papers and a non-exam assessment. With 111 resources spanning both the current 9-1 specification and legacy papers, this archive provides comprehensive preparation for the written examination components. Paper 1 — Fitness and Body Systems — lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 90 marks. It covers the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems, components of fitness, fitness testing, principles of training, and sports psychology (motivation, confidence, arousal, and the influence of these on performance). Paper 2 — Health and Performance — also lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 90 marks. It covers the relationship between health, fitness, and wellbeing, the role of socio-cultural influences on sport and physical activity (participation rates, barriers, funding, media), and the use of data analysis in the context of physical activity and sport. Paper 2 also assesses understanding of performance analysis — how data is used to evaluate and improve sports performance. The Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) component (not included in this written paper archive) accounts for 40% of the GCSE and requires students to perform in three sports (plus analysis if required). Practical performance is assessed and moderated externally. Legacy papers in this archive (Papers 3 and 4, Units 1, 3, and 4) covered similar content using different question formats. They remain highly useful for practising the theoretical science of sport content. The written papers reward students who can apply scientific knowledge to sporting contexts — explaining the physiological effects of training, analysing performance data, and evaluating the socio-cultural factors that influence participation.