What is Physical Education?

Physical Education is more than just taking part in sport – it’s about understanding how the body and mind work together to achieve peak performance. The National 4, 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses combine practical activity with theory, giving you the chance to explore how training, psychology, and lifestyle choices impact performance. You’ll learn to investigate, analyse, and evaluate your own progress, while developing strategies to improve and sustain performance in the long term.

What skills are developed?

Studying PE equips you with skills that go far beyond the gym or playing field:

• Performance evaluation: Learn how to assess your own strengths and weaknesses, then plan for improvement.
• Transferable planning tools: Skills that help you succeed in any subject or career.
• Communication and teamwork: Build confidence in working with others and forming positive relationships.
• Organisation and preparation: Develop discipline and time‑management skills.
• Respect and etiquette: Understand the importance of fair play and working respectfully with others.
• Wellbeing strategies: Explore how physical activity supports mental, emotional, social, and physical health.

What kind of person does it take?

This course is ideal if you:

• Love being active and want to understand how sport impacts the body and mind.
• Bring energy and enthusiasm to both practical and classroom learning.
• Set ambitious goals and enjoy working towards them.
• Value teamwork and respect others in group settings.
• Enjoy variety – learning in both practical and theoretical contexts.

Horizons – where can this subject take you?

PE opens doors to one of the fastest‑growing sectors: Health, Sport, and Leisure. Career opportunities range from sports coaching and leisure management to sport science and physiotherapy. The knowledge and skills you gain are highly transferable, making PE a rewarding choice whether you pursue a career in sport or use the skills in other industries.

Pathways – how can I make progression?

School

• National 4 Physical Education
• National 5 Physical Education
• Higher Physical Education
• Advanced Higher Physical Education (availability may vary)

College

Moray College and other institutions offer diverse courses such as:

• Fitness, Health & Exercise
• Personal Training
• Sport & Fitness at different levels

Employment

Local employers provide opportunities in:

• PE Teaching
• Sports Coaching
• Leisure Attendant roles
• Personal Training

University

Examples of degree pathways include:

• PE Teaching
• Sport Science
  Available at institutions such as Edinburgh University and Robert Gordon University.

Related subjects – what works well with PE?

PE complements subjects that explore the human body, mind, and performance, including:

• English – for communication and analysis skills
• Human Biology – for scientific understanding of the body
• Psychology – for insight into motivation and behaviour
• Dance – for creativity and movement