Edexcel A Level Physical Education (9PE0) Past Papers 2026

Scientific Principles of Physical Education (Written) — 9PE0/01

Duration: 2h 30m

Psychological and Social Principles of Physical Education (Written) — 9PE0/02

Duration: 2h

Practical Performance — NEA (Centre-assessed, externally moderated) — 9PE0/03

Duration: Centre-assessed across the two-year course (recommended minimum 54 hours combining preparation and assessed performance)

Performance Analysis and Performance Development Programme — NEA (Centre-assessed, externally moderated) — 9PE0/04

Duration: Centre-assessed across the two-year course (up to a combined duration of 54 hours)

Fixator and synergist definitions — confusion between the two muscle roles

'Some candidates were confused by including that it stabilised the muscle, rather than the joint. There were also some candidates who answered with the synergist definition in this question.' (9PE0 Paper 1, June 2023). Many candidates knew one definition but not both with sufficient precision.

Component 1

Sarcomere band changes during contraction (Z lines, H zone, I band, A band)

'Candidates did not tend to use the knowledge that Z lines/band move closer together, sarcomere shortens, H zone shortens/disappears, A band remains same length and I band shortens.' (9PE0 Paper 1, June 2023). Only myosin-actin cross bridge steps were commonly known; the band changes were widely missed.

Component 1

EPOC slow component — elevated body temperature, stroke volume and respiration rate returning to homeostasis

'The candidates were not-so-able to discuss the specifics of remaining elevated before the return to homeostasis of body temperature, respiration and stroke volume. They seemed to discuss it incorrectly, as lowering more commonly.' (9PE0 Paper 1, June 2023).

Component 1

Altitude training methods (LHTL, LHTH) beyond the basic altitude-camp approach

'Some candidates were familiar with the methods of training at the high altitude venue and use of an altitude chamber, but fewer were familiar with the LHTL and LHTH methods.' (9PE0 Paper 1, June 2023). Candidates also described physiological adaptations instead of training methods.

Component 1

Applying supplement knowledge to a specific athletic type (power athlete) rather than describing supplements in isolation

'Most candidates only described what these do and could not give the application to power athletes in detail.' (9PE0 Paper 1, June 2023). Top marks required linking bicarbonate, creatine, protein and caffeine directly to training and performance demands of power events.

Component 1

Schema theory implications for coach and performer (AO2/AO3 extension beyond recall/recognition definitions)

'candidates did not go on to apply them correctly to the implications for both a coach and a performer.' and 'Very few answers identified the potential negative implications such as poorly-stored motor programmes, incorrect S-R bonds and negative stereotypes.' (9PE0 Paper 2, June 2023).

Component 2

External influences on competitive performance beyond crowd/social facilitation

'There was a tendency to focus purely on the crowd in terms of intention, proximity or significance. The specification identifies four key factors – significant others, home-field advantage, the distraction effect and the proximity effect.' (9PE0 Paper 2, June 2023). Many candidates earned only 1 mark by missing the other three factors.

Component 2

East German sports system and its specific influences on UK sport provision (beyond talent identification)

'The question was not only about talent identification but this was the most frequent point made. This was only a part of the EG system and candidates who limited comments to this were restricted to Level 1.' (9PE0 Paper 2, June 2023). Funding, NGB pathways, sports science institutes and the doping dimension were widely missed.

Component 2