Physical Education OCR A-Level Revision

    Complete topic breakdowns, revision notes, exam practice questions, and adaptive quizzes for the OCR A-Level Physical Education specification.

    Specification Topics

    Top Exam Tips

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Physical Education

    OCR
    A-Level

    Specification: H555

    The OCR A-Level Physical Education specification covers 9 topics with 0 learning objectives (H555). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    9

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    38

    Exam Tips

    28

    Pitfalls

    Ready to practise?

    AI-powered quizzes tailored to your specification

    Start Practising

    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About OCR A-Level Physical Education

    OCR A-Level Physical Education (H555) offers a comprehensive study of sport and human movement, blending scientific theory with practical performance. Over two years you will explore how the body responds to exercise, the psychological factors influencing skill and participation, and the socio-cultural forces that shape sport in society. The course is designed to deepen your understanding of the principles underpinning physical activity, enabling you to critically analyse and improve performance in your chosen sport or coaching role.

    Throughout the specification, theory and practice are closely interwoven. The scientific strand covers applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, and biomechanics, giving you a robust understanding of how the body works during physical activity. The psychological component investigates skill acquisition and sports psychology, examining topics such as learning theories, motivation, and group dynamics. The socio-cultural section examines the evolution of sport, global events, ethics, and the impact of commercialisation and technology on modern physical activity.

    The course is structured into three distinct theoretical components, each assessed through a written examination, and one non-exam assessment (NEA) that evaluates your practical performance or coaching ability, alongside an oral analysis task. This balanced approach not only prepares you for higher education in sports science, physiotherapy, or teaching but also develops transferable skills in research, evaluation, and communication.

    Assessment Structure

    The qualification is assessed through three written examinations and one non-exam assessment (NEA). Paper 1 (Physiological factors affecting performance) is a 2-hour paper worth 90 marks, contributing 30% of the A-Level. Paper 2 (Psychological factors affecting performance) is a 1-hour paper worth 60 marks, contributing 20%. Paper 3 (Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport) is a 1-hour paper worth 60 marks, also contributing 20%. The NEA (Practical performance in physical activity and sport) accounts for the remaining 30% and includes a practical performance or coaching assessment in one activity, plus an oral Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI). The total written marks are 210, and the NEA is externally moderated by OCR.

    Why Choose OCR?

    • The OCR specification is highly respected for its scientific rigour, offering three separate written papers that allow you to delve deeply into physiology, psychology, and socio-cultural topics without them being merged into a single exam, which can suit students who prefer clear subject boundaries.
    • The practical component is notably flexible, giving you the option to be assessed as a performer or a coach in a wide range of activities—from traditional team sports to more specialist pursuits like equestrian or snowboarding—so you can play to your strengths and interests.
    • OCR provides an extensive suite of free and paid support materials, including exemplar candidate responses, past papers, and a dedicated PE subject advisor, making it easier for teachers to deliver the course and for students to prepare independently.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    23%-25%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

    AO2
    23%-25%

    Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

    AO3
    23%-25%

    Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

    AO4
    30%

    • Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport • Analyse and evaluate performance

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing the roles of muscles (e.g., agonist vs antagonist) in specific movements
    • •Incorrectly identifying the plane of movement or axis of rotation for a given action
    • •Misunderstanding the interplay of energy systems during intermittent exercise
    • •Failing to distinguish between the fast and slow components of EPOC
    • •Inaccurate application of physiological knowledge to environmental conditions like altitude or heat
    • •Confusing the different types of strength and their specific training methods
    • •Failing to distinguish between the different types of flexibility training
    • •Misapplying the stages of periodisation to specific sporting contexts

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Use specific sporting examples to illustrate theoretical concepts
    • •Ensure precise use of terminology when describing joint actions and muscle contractions
    • •Practice interpreting data and graphs related to physiological changes during exercise
    • •Be prepared to explain the 'why' behind physiological adaptations, not just the 'what'
    • •Link the recovery process to the planning of training sessions
    • •Ensure you can link physiological adaptations to specific training methods
    • •Be prepared to interpret data regarding VO2 max and strength evaluation tests
    • •Use specific sporting examples to illustrate the application of training methods

    Specification Topics

    9 topics

    Applied anatomy and physiology

    1.1 Applied anatomy and physiology focuses on the scientific principles underpinning human movement, including the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, energy systems for exercise, and the impact of environmental factors on body systems.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Exercise physiology

    This topic focuses on how key factors affect the body's ability to perform during physical activity and sport, covering diet, nutrition, ergogenic aids, training methods, and injury prevention/rehabilitation.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Biomechanics

    This topic focuses on the biomechanics of movement, involving the study of force and its effect on human movement in physical activities and sports. It aims to improve performance and prevent/treat injury by optimizing technique, training, and equipment. Key areas include biomechanical principles, levers, technology, linear and angular motion, fluid mechanics, and projectile motion.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Skill acquisition

    This topic focuses on the role of skill acquisition in the performance of physical activities and sports. It covers the classification of skills, types and methods of practice, transfer of skills, principles and theories of learning, stages of learning, guidance, feedback, and memory models.

    0 objectives4 tips

    Sports psychology

    This topic explores the psychological factors that influence performance in physical activity and sport. It covers individual differences (personality, attitudes, motivation, arousal, anxiety, aggression, social facilitation), group and team dynamics, goal setting, attribution theory, confidence and self-efficacy, leadership, and stress management techniques.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Sport and society

    This topic explores the historical development of sport from pre-industrial Britain to the 21st century, examining how social and cultural factors shaped participation and characteristics. It also covers the nature of global sporting events, including the modern Olympic Games and their political exploitation.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport

    This topic explores the ethical, commercial, and technological dimensions of contemporary physical activity and sport. It covers deviance, the impact of commercialisation and media, routes to sporting excellence, and the multifaceted role of modern technology in elite performance, participation, fair outcomes, and entertainment.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Performance in physical education (H555/05)

    Performance in physical education (H555/05) is a non-exam assessment (NEA) component where learners are internally assessed in one practical activity from an approved list. Learners can be assessed in the role of either a performer or a coach, demonstrating effective performance, use of tactics or techniques, and adherence to rules and conventions under applied conditions.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement (NEA) (H555/06)

    Performance in physical education (H555/05) is a non-exam assessment (NEA) component where learners are internally assessed in one practical activity from an approved list. Learners can be assessed in the role of either a performer or a coach, demonstrating effective performance, use of tactics or techniques, and adherence to rules and conventions under applied conditions.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Ready to master Physical Education?

    Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your OCR A-Level specification.

    Get Started Free
    Physical Education OCR A-Level Topics & Revision | MasteryMind