When most people hear "Physical Education," they immediately think of running laps, kicking footballs, or sweating through push ups. But the WAEC Physical Education syllabus for 2026 reveals something far more fascinating. It transforms the playing field into a living classroom where biology, history, physics, and sociology all meet.

Physical Education is not just about sports. It is the scientific study of human movement, the psychology of competition, the history of cultural games, and the anatomy of the athlete's body. For candidates who choose this subject, the examination demands both intellectual rigour and practical competence.

Objectives of the Syllabus

The examination is designed to assess whether the candidates have acquired the following:

(i) the understanding of movement activities and the relationships between movement and concepts from biological, physical and social sciences;

(ii) skills needed in basic motor activities, fitness, maintenance, and self awareness;

(iii) an appreciation of the role of movement and physical activity in human development.

Examination Scheme

Paper 1: Theory of Practice (100 Marks, 2 Hours)

This paper has 4 parts:

  • Track and Field: 3 questions given, answer any 2 (40 marks)
  • Ball Games: Choose 1 question out of 2 (part of 60 marks total)
  • Racket Games: Choose 1 question out of 2 (part of 60 marks total)
  • Gymnastics: Choose 1 question out of 2 (part of 60 marks total)
  • So, from Ball Games, Racket Games, and Gymnastics combined, you will answer 3 questions for 60 marks.

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WAEC Syllabus 2026/2027 for All Subjects: SSCE & GCE

Paper 2: Theory & Other Topics (100 Marks, 2 Hours)

This one has 3 sections:

  • Multiple Choice: 50 questions from the whole syllabus (50 marks, 50 minutes)
  • Short Answers: Structured questions, answer in brief (20 marks, 25 minutes)
  • Essays: 5 questions provided, answer any 3 (30 marks, 45 minutes)

Note: This paper covers everything except the Track and Field/Practical stuff you did in Paper 1.

WAEC Syllabus for Physical Education 2026

SECTIONTOPICSIMPORTANT POINTS
A. Foundation of Physical Education1. Principles & PhilosophiesUnderstand the core principles guiding physical education.
 2. Physical FitnessGeneral fitness vs. fitness for specific activities.
 3. Health & Personal HygieneImportance of hygiene, care of the body, sportswear selection and maintenance.
 4. RecreationIndoor/outdoor activities; examples; safety; differences from lifetime sports.
 5. Competitive SportsIntramural vs. extramural; athletics; minor vs. major games; role of lead up games.
 6. Corrective & Adaptive ProgramsTypes of handicaps; remedial exercises; social/emotional issues; attitudes towards handicapped.
 7. Concept of the Whole ManInterdependence of body systems; physical education philosophies (Spartan vs. Athenian).
B. History & Development1. Historical BackgroundEvolution of physical education; West African development; pioneers.
 2. Foreign PE & SportsGreek festivals; ancient and modern Olympics; origin and importance.
C. National & International Competition1. National Championships & FestivalsTypes; sports associations, NSC, NSSF; differences between festivals and championships.
 2. Africa GamesHistory; role of Baron Pierre de Coubertin; first games in 1965.
 3. International Sports BodiesExamples (IOC, FIFA, IAAF, etc.); roles and functions.
 4. International CompetitionsWorld Secondary Schools Soccer; ISSF.
D. Basic Human Anatomy & Physiology1. Skeletal SystemMain bones/joints involved in movement.
 2. MusclesMajor muscles; isometric and isotonic contractions.
 3. SomatotypesBody types: endomorph, mesomorph, ectomorph; pros and cons.
 4. PostureGood posture features; common defects (kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis, flat foot).
 5. Nervous SystemBrain, spinal cord, nerves; reflex actions.
 6. Circulatory SystemHeart, blood vessels; pulse rate, and exercise effects.
 7. Respiratory SystemRespiration types; gas exchange during exercise.
 8. HormonesRole of adrenaline in exercise.
 9. NutritionBalanced diets; athlete nutrition; pre game meals.

DOWNLOAD WAEC SYLLABUS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2026