Episode 79 - Exam PE Series: Deep Dive 1 - A deep dive into AQA GCSE Physical Education with Jackie Brookes

Examination PE doesn’t have to feel like a minefield.In this episode of the PE Insights Podcast, we’re joined by Jackie Brookes, founder of PE Active, alongside Will Swaithes, to unpick the complexities of the AQA GCSE PE specification and explore how teachers can deliver academic PE with confidence, clarity, and impact.Drawing on her extensive work with trainee teachers and early career teachers (ECTs), Jackie shares why so many teachers feel underprepared for examination PE — and, crucially, what can be done about it. Together, Jackie and Will offer practical, experience-led insights into mastering command words, assessment objectives, and exam technique, while keeping learning active and meaningful for pupils.Why trainee teachers often receive limited support with exam specificationsCommon gaps in content knowledge and assessment literacyJackie’s journey into academic PE and the origins of PE ActiveTeaching theory through movement for kinaesthetic learnersWhy AQA’s prescriptive nature can actually be a strengthUnderstanding the three Assessment Objectives (AOs):AO1 – KnowledgeAO2 – ApplicationAO3 – Higher-order thinkingThe “magic four” AO3 skills: analyse, evaluate, justify, discussHow AQA explicitly signals where AO3 is assessedWhy command words are central to exam successJackie’s B.U.C. method for breaking down exam questions:Box the command wordUnderline the topicCircle the sport or contextA clear breakdown of Paper 1 and Paper 2, question types, timings, and mark allocationsWhere AO3 is most heavily assessed in extended responsesHow the 30% practical performance is assessed across three activitiesWhat examiners look for in skills and applicationMaking sense of the 10% Analysis & Evaluation courseworkWhy precision matters — and what not to includeHow NEA supports AO3 development beyond the exam hallMaking the most of AQA’s official resourcesTeaching theory actively, not passivelyPlanning with AO3 at the forefrontUsing examiner reports to inform teachingWhy Jackie believes teachers should sit the exam themselvesBroadening sporting examples with equality, diversity, and inclusion in mindShould GCSE PE be renamed?The case for modernising contentRemoving outdated concepts (like body types)Why menstrual cycles and hormonal impacts on performance belong in the curriculumProtecting the physical and applied heart of PEDelivering AQA GCSE PE successfully isn’t about cramming content — it’s about understanding how knowledge is assessed, embedding AO3 thinking from the outset, and bringing theory to life through active, purposeful learning. When teachers are assessment-literate and confident with the specification, students are far better positioned to succeed.🔍 What’s covered in this episode?The challenge of examination PEDeciphering the AQA GCSE PE specificationCommand words & exam techniqueNEA: The practical componentTop tips for teachers delivering AQA GCSE PELooking ahead: the future of GCSE PE🎯 Key takeawayDelivering AQA GCSE PE successfully isn’t about cramming content — it’s about understanding how knowledge is assessed, embedding AO3 thinking from the outset, and bringing theory to life through active, purposeful learning. When teachers are assessment-literate and confident with the specification, students are far better positioned to succeed.Want to take your learning further? Unlock exclusive PE resources, research, and CPD courses with PE Scholar Membership — your one-stop hub for professional growth and impact. Use code POD10 at checkout or visit https://psch.la/POD10 for 10% off today!We are excited to share that we have formed a partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sports Directory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, with their '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My School Rewards' Scheme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, you’ll get 10% back on every order, helping you to grow your department budget. Check it out now.