Cambridge OCR
Level 3
QN: 601/8322/6
Curriculum Active
Cambridge OCR Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physical Education
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Cambridge OCR. Classified as a GCE A Level. Total guided learning hours: 360 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
Cambridge OCR
Syllabus Units
5 Units
Guided Hours
360 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Applied anatomy and physiology
Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key structural components of the heart and explain their roles in the intrinsic conduction system.
- Describe the pathway of blood through the systemic and pulmonary circuits, referencing major arteries and veins.
- Explain the pressure and volume changes during inspiration and expiration, including the roles of respiratory muscles.
- Analyse the process of external and internal respiration, linking it to partial pressure gradients and haemoglobin saturation.
- Evaluate the acute cardiovascular responses to varying exercise intensities, including heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output.
- Assess the respiratory adaptations to steady-state and high-intensity exercise, considering tidal volume and breathing frequency.
- Apply knowledge of the medullary respiratory centre to explain how breathing rate is regulated during exercise.
2
Applied anatomy and physiology
Energy systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the three energy systems (ATP-PC, glycolytic, oxidative)
- Explain the interplay of energy systems during exercise
- Analyse the factors affecting energy system contribution
3
Applied anatomy and physiology
Skeletal and muscular systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the structural and functional classification of bones and their relevance to leverage and protection in sport.
- Describe the components of a synovial joint and explain how they minimise friction and absorb shock during high-impact activities.
- Evaluate the roles of agonist, antagonist, synergist, and fixator muscles using examples from specific sport skills.
- Interpret movement patterns using anatomical terminology (flexion, extension, etc.) and identify the primary movers involved.
- Examine the reciprocal relationship between muscle groups during dynamic sporting actions, such as kicking or throwing.
4
Biomechanics
Angular motion and levers
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe angular motion and differentiate between angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration using sporting examples.
- Calculate angular velocity and acceleration from numerical data, applying correct units and formulae.
- Identify and label the fulcrum, effort, and load for each of the three lever classes in the human body.
- Explain the mechanical advantage of each lever class and relate it to force or speed production.
- Analyse the impact of lever length and insertion point on muscle force requirements in sporting actions.
- Evaluate the suitability of different lever classes for specific athletic movements, such as jumping or throwing.
5
Biomechanics
Fluid mechanics and stability
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the different types of drag (surface, form, wave) and their effects on sports performance
- Apply Bernoulli's principle to explain the flight path of a spinning ball
- Analyse how the base of support and height of center of mass affect stability
- Evaluate the use of aerodynamic equipment in cycling to reduce drag
- Examine the role of fluid mechanics in swimming strokes
6
Biomechanics
Linear motion and force
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Calculate speed, velocity, acceleration, and momentum from given data in sporting contexts.
- Explain Newton's first law of motion and its relevance to inertia in sports.
- Apply Newton's second law (F=ma) to determine the net force or acceleration of an athlete or object.
- Analyse the relationship between impulse and change in momentum during a sporting collision or take-off.
- Evaluate the role of Newton's third law in generating ground reaction forces in running and jumping.
- Interpret velocity-time and distance-time graphs to describe linear motion patterns in sports.
7
Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- This component will consist of observing a live or recordedperformance by a peer and then providing an oralresponse analysing and critically evaluating theperformance.
8
Exercise physiology
Injury prevention and rehabilitation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the biomechanical and physiological risk factors contributing to common sports injuries.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different injury prevention strategies in reducing incidence rates.
- Apply the RICE protocol to manage acute injuries in a practical scenario.
- Design a phase-based rehabilitation program for a specific sports injury.
- Critique the evidence supporting various physiotherapy interventions for athletic recovery.
9
Exercise physiology
Nutrition and ergogenic aids
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in exercise
- Evaluate the use of ergogenic aids (e.g., caffeine, creatine)
- Analyse the importance of hydration
10
Exercise physiology
Physiological adaptations to training
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the chronic adaptations of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems to training
- Explain the principles of training (specificity, overload, progression, reversibility)
- Analyse the effects of different training methods
11
Practical Performances
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- This component will consist of one activity taken from theapproved list. Learners can be assessed in the roleof performer or coach.
12
Skill acquisition
Classification of skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Classify skills using continua (e.g., open/closed, gross/fine)
- Explain the characteristics of different skill classifications
13
Skill acquisition
Information processing and decision making
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the information processing model (input, decision making, output, feedback)
- Explain reaction time and factors affecting it
- Analyse decision-making in sport
14
Skill acquisition
Stages of learning and practice
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the key characteristics and typical errors of the cognitive stage of learning.
- Explain how distributed practice can reduce fatigue and improve learning in the associative stage.
- Analyse the impact of variable practice on skill adaptability in the autonomous stage.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of part practice for complex skills in the cognitive stage.
- Compare the use of massed and distributed practice for discrete, continuous, and serial skills.
15
Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- This component will assess:3.1 Sport and society3.2Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport
16
Sport and society
Emergence and evolution of modern sport
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Trace the development of sport from pre-industrial to modern times
- Explain the impact of the Industrial Revolution on sport
- Analyse the role of public schools in the development of sport
17
Sport and society
Ethics and deviance in sport
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define ethics and deviance in sport
- Explain the causes and consequences of doping
- Analyse the role of governing bodies in maintaining ethics
18
Sport and society
Sport and the Olympic Games
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the evolution of the Olympic Games from ancient festivals to the modern era, referencing key figures and milestones.
- Analyse the role of political ideologies and national interests in shaping Olympic participation and boycotts.
- Evaluate the influence of commercial sponsorship and media rights on the integrity and accessibility of the Olympic movement.
- Assess the short-term and long-term economic, social, and environmental impacts of hosting the Olympic Games on a chosen city.
- Critically discuss the concept of Olympic legacy and the challenges in delivering sustainable outcomes for host communities.
19
Sport psychology
Arousal, anxiety, and stress
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define arousal, anxiety, and stress, outlining key distinctions between somatic and cognitive anxiety.
- Explain the drive theory, inverted U hypothesis, and catastrophe theory, referencing relevant sporting examples for each.
- Analyse the effectiveness of at least two psychological techniques (e.g., relaxation, imagery) in managing anxiety before and during performance.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of each arousal theory using contemporary evidence and practical application.
- Apply catastrophe theory to diagnose and rectify sudden performance breakdowns in high-pressure situations.
20
Sport psychology
Group dynamics and leadership
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define group cohesion and identify its key contributing factors in sports teams.
- Compare and contrast autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire leadership styles using sporting examples.
- Analyse the effectiveness of different leadership approaches based on situational and individual factors.
- Evaluate the relationship between group cohesion and team performance using relevant theoretical models.
- Apply leadership theories to recommend appropriate styles for given competitive scenarios.
- Assess the impact of leadership style on athlete motivation and group satisfaction.
21
Sport psychology
Personality and motivation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the main assumptions of trait, social learning, and interactionist theories of personality.
- Explain the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, including amotivation.
- Analyse how personality traits (e.g., extroversion, neuroticism) can influence sporting preference and performance.
- Evaluate the use of personality testing (e.g., EPI, 16PF) in talent identification and athlete development.
- Apply achievement motivation theory (Atkinson) to explain behaviour in competitive situations.
- Discuss the role of self-determination theory in fostering intrinsic motivation and long-term participation.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/8322/6
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Cambridge OCR
- Qualification Type
- GCE A Level
- Operational Start
- Sept 2016