0413_s26_ms_12 2026 May-June Physical Education 0413 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0413_s26_ms_122026 May-June Physical Education 0413 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Physical Education (0413) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 0413_s26_ms_12 · 0413/12/m/j/26 ms · 0413/12 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 1: Theory This is Paper 1: Theory, worth 100 marks with a duration of 1h 45m. Structured questions covering the full theory syllabus. Every answer must be applied to a named physical activity — generic responses not credited. Includes short-answer, explain, and calculation questions.

This mark scheme corresponds to 0413_s26_qp_12. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Physical Education (0413), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

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Same paper, other years

Physical Education (0413) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Theory

Based on analysis of 1 official Cambridge documents (2023)

1

Generic responses not applied to a named physical activity

Candidates must apply their knowledge to a named physical activity. Generic responses that did not reference a specific sport or activity could not be credited.0413 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: ALWAYS name a sport and give a specific example. Instead of 'agility is the ability to change direction quickly' → 'a football player uses agility to change direction quickly when dribbling past a defender'. The mark comes from the APPLICATION, not just the definition.

2

Using content from the question in the answer — loses marks

Candidates should not repeat information already provided in the question stem as part of their answer. Credit cannot be given for restating what has been given.0413 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: Read the question stem carefully and note what information is ALREADY given. Your answer must add NEW information. If the question says 'A sprinter uses fast twitch muscle fibres. Explain one other characteristic...' — do NOT mention fast twitch fibres again.

3

Describing instead of explaining or giving reasons

When a question asks candidates to 'explain' or 'give reasons', a simple description is not sufficient. Candidates must state the point AND give a reason or consequence.0413 Paper 1, May/June 2023

How to fix: For 'explain' questions, use the formula: POINT + BECAUSE/SO THAT + REASON. For example: 'A warm-up increases heart rate (point) because this delivers more oxygen to the working muscles (reason), which delays the onset of fatigue (consequence)'.

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All Physical Education (0413) Papers — 2026 May-June

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More Physical Education (0413) Past Papers

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Physical Education Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 1 official Cambridge documents