Shooting in the GCSE Curriculum

Target Shooting and GCSE Physical Education 

Target shooting has been included on the approved list of sports and physical activities for the new GCSE Physical Education and Health qualification in Wales, which will be taught for the first time from September 2026. This new qualification has been developed specifically for Wales and places a greater emphasis on practical performance and participation than previous GCSE Physical Education qualifications. 

For young people who already participate in target shooting, this development creates an exciting opportunity to connect their sporting achievements with their educational journey. It also raises awareness of shooting as a recognised sporting activity that develops a wide range of physical, technical and personal skills. 

What Is the New GCSE Physical Education and Health Qualification? 

The new GCSE Physical Education and Health qualification has been designed to give candidates opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills through sport and physical activity. 

A significant feature of the qualification is that 60% of the overall award is assessed through non-examination assessment (NEA), with candidates demonstrating their practical abilities through approved sports and activities.  

The qualification will be available for first teaching from September 2026, with the first awards issued in 2028.  

Shooting Is on the Approved List 

Shooting has been included on the official approved list of sports and physical activities for the new GCSE Physical Education and Health qualification in Wales. This means that candidates can use shooting as one of their practical assessment activities, provided it is carried out in accordance with the WJEC assessment requirements. 

How Is the Qualification Structured and Assessed? 

Practical Assessment (60%)
Most of the qualification is based on practical performance. Pupils will take part in physical activities and demonstrate their skills as part of their assessment. 

Written Assessment (40%)
Pupils will also complete written exams covering topics such as physical education, health and wellbeing, and factors that influence sporting performance The qualification contains both practical and theoretical components. 

How Will the Practical Element Work? 

Candidates will be assessed through approved sports and physical activities. Evidence will be gathered through performance in authentic sporting environments and assessed against criteria established by WJEC. 

Olympic Disciplines Only 

For GCSE assessment purposes, shooting is limited to recognised Olympic shooting disciplines. 

Candidates may only be assessed in one shooting discipline, rather than combining multiple disciplines. This ensures consistency and fairness in assessment. Schools and shooting clubs will determine which discipline is most suitable for each candidate’s circumstances and available evidence. 

Assistance from Welsh Shooting clubs can be provided to schools to support learning of the school and the candidate. 

How Will Shooting Be Assessed? 

The assessment of shooting reflects the same principles applied across all approved sports. Candidates must demonstrate effective performance in a competitive or appropriately demanding environment. 

Assessment may include evidence that demonstrates: 

Source: WJEC, GCSE Physical Education and Health – Unit 2: Approved List of Sports and Physical Activities (2026). 

These requirements align closely with the skills already developed through participation in target shooting clubs, cadet organisations, scouting groups and other recognised shooting environments. 

What Does This Mean for Young People Already Involved in Shooting? 

For pupils who are already active in shooting, the inclusion of shooting on the approved list provides formal educational recognition of the skills they are developing through their sport. 

Target shooting develops: 

• Concentration and focus 

• Balance and coordination 

• Self-discipline 

• Psychological resilience 

• Planning and organisation 

• Critical thinking and problem solving 

• Personal responsibility 

• Safe operating practices 

These qualities align strongly with the aims of the new qualification and may provide candidates with opportunities to use existing sporting experience as part of their GCSE studies.  

Opportunities for New Participants 

While this development is particularly exciting for young people who already take part in shooting, it may also help introduce the sport to candidates who have not previously considered it. As schools begin to explore the approved activities available within the qualification, some candidates may discover target shooting for the first time and wish to learn more about the sport. Target shooting offers opportunities to develop concentration, self-discipline, confidence, responsibility and decision-making skills in a safe and structured environment. Anyone interested in finding out more can speak to their school or local club and use the Welsh Shooting Club map to identify opportunities to try the sport and access qualified coaching 

For clubs, coaches and parents, this presents an opportunity to support young people in linking sporting participation with educational achievement. 

Schools Decide Assessment Arrangements 

It is important to note that schools and colleges determine: 

• Which approved activities they can support 

• When candidates select their assessed activities 

• How evidence is collected 

• How practical assessment opportunities are organised 

Schools and centres are responsible for deciding how practical activities are organised, when assessments take place, and how evidence is collected. Assessment arrangements may therefore vary between schools. Candidates should always speak with their school or PE department to understand local arrangements. 

Useful Resources 

WJEC GCSE Physical Education and Health Specification 

The official qualification specification explaining assessment requirements, subject content and qualification structure – Here 

WJEC GCSE Physical Education and Health Guidance for Teaching – Unit 2 Approved List of Sports and Physical Activities: Guidance on how to prepare learners for assessment 

The official guidance document detailing all approved sports and the assessment expectations for each activity, including shooting – Here

WJEC GCSE Physical Education and Health – Unit 2 NEA Handbook 

The official handbook containing the assessment materials for Unit 2: Performance and Personal Training – Here 

Contact Welsh Shooting 

Any further information regarding clubs please contact Welsh Shooting at [email protected]