Shooting Added to New GCSE Physical Education and Health Qualification in Wales

Welsh Shooting has welcomed the inclusion of shooting on the approved list of sports and physical activities for the new GCSE Physical Education and Health qualification in Wales.

The new qualification, which will be taught from September 2026, gives Candidates the opportunity to use shooting as part of their practical assessment, placing the sport alongside a wide range of recognised activities available to GCSE candidates.

This represents an important milestone for shooting in Wales. It provides formal recognition of the skills, discipline and commitment required to compete in Olympic target shooting disciplines, while also raising awareness of the sport among schools, teachers, parents and young people.

While the change is excellent news for young people who already participate in shooting, it could also help introduce the sport to a new generation of participants.

As schools begin exploring the activities available through the qualification, Candidates who may never have considered shooting before will have the opportunity to learn more about the sport and discover the pathways available through local clubs and coaching programmes.

Practical Assessment Forms a Major Part of the Qualification

The new GCSE Physical Education and Health qualification places a strong emphasis on practical performance, with 60% of the qualification assessed through non-examination assessment (NEA).

This means that a significant proportion of a Candidate’s grade comes from practical involvement in sport and physical activity, providing opportunities for candidates to demonstrate their skills and performance in their chosen activity.

As shooting is now included on the approved list, eligible Candidates will have the opportunity to use the sport as part of this practical assessment process.

Olympic Disciplines Only

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

Candidates can be assessed in one shooting discipline only, meaning Candidates must choose a single Olympic event rather than combining multiple shooting disciplines.

What Will Candidates Be Assessed On?

Assessment is about much more than simply achieving a high score on the target.

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a range of skills including technical performance, preparation, decision-making, understanding of rules and safety requirements, and the ability to review and improve their performance over time.

The assessment recognises the wider qualities developed through shooting, including focus, discipline, consistency and the ability to perform under pressure.

Currently taking GCSE Physical Education

Candidates who have already chosen GCSE Physical Education may still be able to select shooting as their practical assessment activity.

Individual schools decide when Candidates select their assessed activities, and these timelines can vary considerably from one school to another. Some schools may make decisions early in the course, while others do so later.

For this reason, Welsh Shooting is encouraging Candidates, parents and coaches to speak with schools as early as possible and to continue those conversations throughout the academic year.

A Positive Step Forward for Shooting in Wales

The inclusion of shooting within the new GCSE qualification is a significant development for the sport. It recognises the commitment of young shooters already competing and training across Wales while providing an opportunity to raise awareness of Olympic target shooting among a wider audience.

Welsh Shooting encourages anyone interested in learning more about the sport to speak with their school, local club or coach, and to use the Welsh Shooting Club Finder to discover opportunities in their area.

For further information, visit https://wtsf.org.uk/shooting-in-the-gcse-curriculum/ or contact [email protected].