Tried and Trusted Revision Activities for GCSE P.E

Over the years I have tried, explored and experimented with various activities to help pupils recall and memorise key terms and content for their GCSE P.E exams. Below are some of my favourite and popular activities to use with pupils during the exam period.

Naughts and crosses

This is a more recent activity that I have come across and was used in a recent staff CPD session. The idea is that each pupil has an A3 sheet with nine grids. In the middle grid you place eight revision topic areas. Each topic then corresponds to one of the other grids on the outside. Pupils then have to add key words in each box to fill the grid. Pupils could play the game by writing an answer in each box to try and get three in a row.

Board Rush

This activity involves placing various key words in a grid that is projected onto the whiteboard. On top of each box you can place a question which pupils have to rearrange to match the relevant key word answer. Variations– each box contains a question for pupils to have to write the answer. You could also play if this is the answer, what is the question? Place the answers in the boxes for pupils to write the questions.

Tarsia Puzzles

Tarsia puzzles are an effective cooperative strategy that enable pupils to work together to solve the puzzle. Each side of the mini triangles have a key word or definition. Pupils then have to arrange the triangles so that each side matches up. The end shape will be a much larger hexagon shape. Pupils could also design their own puzzle.

Linking Activities

Make the link is an activity that supports pupils in making links between different topic areas in a subject. The activity helps structures pupils writing when creating answers for higher mark questions. This is done using the PEEL or PEA method Pupils start by reading the question and then make a point about their first answer. They then go onto explaining their point maybe with a definition and then apply it to an example. You could also create an image using Wordfoto app with key words, Pupils then have to link the theory to the image.

Up the Hill

This involves placing a triangle projected onto the board with progressive questions for pupils to answer. Pupils answer the questions and stick a post it onto the board. Pupils can peer assess or add to each others’ answers.

Socrative and Kahoot

Socrative is a quick response system that can be where pupils have access to computers, laptops or phones, as a revision tool to check pupil progress and learning. Once logged onto the website a teacher user you can create various quizzes and questions to test pupils. You can pre design a quiz and then allow pupils to join your teacher room so that they can complete the question or quiz. You can also create exit tickets for pupils to complete before they leave the lesson.

Once pupils have answered your question or quiz, they send their response to you which you receive via an email. You can then download their answers in an excel document and print off to mark. I have recently used Socrative to give pupils a past 6-mark exam question for them to answer and then send to me for me to mark. I receive their answers on my screen so I can check their understanding straight away. Another revision quiz game that works in a similar way is Kahoot which is a good activity to quiz pupils in a fun and competitive way.