IE · Subject guide
Physical Education
Leaving Certificate Physical Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Physical Education
Leaving Certificate Physical Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 12
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Strand 1 — Towards Optimum Performance
An overarching strand in which learners apply psychological, physiological, biomechanical, sociological and cultural perspectives to understand and improve performance across their chosen physical activities.
- 02
Topic 1: Learning and Improving Skill and Technique
Identifying the key skills and techniques central to successful performance and applying principles of skill acquisition, practice design and feedback to refine them.
- 03
Topic 2: Physical and Psychological Demands of Performance
Examining components of fitness, training principles, recovery, nutrition, hydration, energy systems, the muscular and skeletal systems, and mental-preparedness strategies that underpin performance.
- 04
Topic 3: Structures, Strategies, Roles and Conventions
Analysing the structures, tactics, strategies, roles, rules, rituals and conventions that shape how performers compete and cooperate within different physical activities.
- 05
Topic 4: Planning for Optimum Performance
Integrating learning from the earlier topics to design, implement and evaluate a personalised plan aimed at achieving best possible performance.
- 06
Strand 2 — Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity
An overarching strand exploring how physical activity and sport are organised and experienced in society and the contemporary issues surrounding participation.
- 07
Topic 5: Promoting Physical Activity
Investigating the benefits of physical activity, how it is provided for people at different life stages, and the factors that influence participation in and provision for sport and physical activity.
- 08
Topic 6: Ethics and Fair Play
Considering the ethical dimensions of sport and the responsibilities of participants, officials, coaches and governing bodies in upholding fair play and integrity.
- 09
Physical Activity Areas
The six recognised categories from which learners select activities for study and assessment: Games, Athletics, Artistic and Aesthetic Activities, Adventure Activities, Aquatics, and Personal Exercise and Fitness.
- 10
Physical Activity Project (PAP)
A coursework component, worth 20%, in which learners investigate an aspect of their own performance or a contemporary issue and produce an evidence-based report on one chosen activity.
- 11
Performance Assessment
A digitally captured, common-level component, worth 30%, in which learners demonstrate their best personal performance in a second chosen activity within competitive or conditioned settings.
- 12
Written Examination
A 2.5-hour terminal examination worth 50% (250 marks), set at Higher and Ordinary level, assessing understanding across both strands and the integrated application of theory to performance.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.