BGCSE Physical Education exam-day guide
BGCSE Physical Education · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo identification
Bring the ID document your school or exam centre requires for candidate verification. The exact accepted forms can vary, so confirm with the provider which documents are valid and whether a school-issued card is acceptable.
Exam entry slip or candidate number
Carry your entry slip, candidate number, and centre number if these have been issued. If you have not received them, ask your teacher well before exam day; do not assume they will be provided at the venue.
Correct PE kit and footwear
Wear clean, suitable sports clothing and activity-appropriate trainers or boots for your chosen practical activities. Check with the provider whether a specific kit colour, school uniform, or footwear type is required, and whether jewellery must be removed.
Water bottle and light snacks
Practical assessments can span several hours. Bring water and simple snacks unless the centre states otherwise. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are permitted in the waiting and performance areas.
Personal medication and safety items
Bring any prescribed medication you may need, such as an inhaler, and tell the supervising teacher in advance. The provider's policy on medication, first aid, and medical declarations should be confirmed with the provider.
Warm clothing for waiting periods
Practical exams involve long stretches of waiting between performances. Bring layers so you stay warm and ready to perform; confirm whether bags can be stored securely at the venue.
Completed medical or consent forms
If the centre has issued health, consent, or activity-preference forms, complete and return them before the deadline. The exact requirements are set by the provider, so confirm with the provider.
Know your chosen activities and roles
Be clear about which activities you are being assessed in and whether you are assessed as a performer, coach, or official where this applies. Check the current specification and confirm arrangements with the provider.
Practice your personal programme
Rehearse the skills, routines, or sequences you will demonstrate, including warm-up and transitions. Ask your teacher which criteria the assessor will apply so your preparation targets them.
Plan your travel and arrival time
Know the venue, the reporting time, and the route, and allow extra time for traffic and changing. Confirm the reporting time and venue details with the provider rather than relying on rumour.
Review the assessment criteria
Read the criteria for each activity so you understand what earns marks, such as technique, decision-making, and consistency. Ask your teacher to clarify anything unclear; the official criteria come from the provider.
Rest, hydration, and sleep plan
Avoid heavy unfamiliar training in the last few days, hydrate well, and sleep properly. Do not start a new supplement or intense regime right before assessment; if unsure, confirm with the provider and a qualified adult.
Plan the day
Confirm the venue, reporting time, and required kit with your teacher or the provider. Check that your entry details and any medical or consent forms are complete. Practise your chosen activities at moderate intensity rather than maximal effort, focusing on technique and consistency. Prepare and pack your kit, ID, water, and medication, and read the assessment criteria for each activity so you know what the assessor is looking for.
Do light, familiar practice only and avoid new drills or heavy training that could leave you sore or injured. Eat familiar meals, hydrate steadily, and get a full night's sleep. Lay out your kit, footwear, ID, entry slip, water, and any medication. Recheck travel arrangements and set alarms. If you feel unwell or injured, tell your teacher promptly so the centre can advise on the correct procedure.
Eat a normal breakfast you are used to and drink water. Arrive at the venue with time to spare, report to the supervising teacher, and present your ID and entry slip. Change into kit, remove jewellery as instructed, and complete a thorough warm-up before your first activity. Tell staff about any injury, illness, or medication needs before you begin.
Follow the assessor's instructions and the order of activities. Warm up before each activity and cool down afterwards. Perform within your ability, demonstrate the skills and decision-making you have practised, and stay composed if something goes wrong. Use rest periods to hydrate and stay warm. If you have a problem, injury, or concern about fairness, raise it with the supervising teacher immediately rather than after the session.
Rules to check
Bring and present the identification and entry documents required by the centre; confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and what to do if you lose them.
Follow all instructions from assessors and supervising staff, including safety rules, activity order, and designated waiting areas.
Be honest about injuries, illness, and medication before assessment, and follow the provider's procedure for reporting them; do not attempt an activity you are not fit to perform.
Perform your own work: demonstrate only the skills and performances you have prepared, and do not accept coaching or assistance during assessment unless the provider's rules expressly allow it.
Treat other candidates, staff, and facilities with respect, and do not interfere with another candidate's performance or equipment.
Stay within the venue and be ready when called; confirm with the provider whether and how toilet or rest breaks are permitted between activities.
Do not use phones, recording devices, or other equipment during assessment unless the provider permits it; confirm the provider's policy on spectators and recording.
Understand that marks come from the assessor's judgement against the published criteria; if you believe an error has occurred, ask your teacher about the provider's review or appeal procedure rather than approaching the assessor directly.