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    OCR A-Level Physical Education

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    Course H555

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    About this course

    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

    How many exams are there in OCR A-Level Physical Education?
    There are three written examinations, each covering a distinct component: Paper 1 (Physiological factors affecting performance, 2 hours, 30% of A-Level), Paper 2 (Psychological factors affecting performance, 1 hour, 20%), and Paper 3 (Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport, 1 hour, 20%). Additionally, there is a non-exam assessment (practical performance or coaching plus an oral task) worth the remaining 30%.
    What is the practical assessment like in OCR A-Level PE?
    The non-exam assessment (NEA) is worth 30% of the A-Level and has two parts. First, you are assessed in one practical activity as either a performer or a coach; you must provide video evidence of your performance in a competitive or formal context. Second, you complete an Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI), which is an oral assessment where you analyse a live or recorded performance, identify weaknesses, and propose corrective measures. The EAPI is conducted and assessed by your teacher, then moderated by OCR.
    Can I use my own sport for the OCR practical assessment?
    Yes, you can choose from a very wide range of activities approved by OCR, which includes most mainstream team and individual sports, as well as many less common activities such as rock climbing, skiing, or dance. You do not have to be part of a school team; you can use performances from club or regional level, provided you can supply clear video evidence that meets OCR’s filming requirements. Your teacher will confirm whether your sport is on the approved list and help you plan the evidence.
    What is the EAPI, and how is it assessed?
    The Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI) is an oral assessment that forms part of the non-exam assessment. You will watch a performer (often a peer) in your chosen activity and deliver a structured verbal analysis, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and suggesting targeted, justified strategies for improvement. The EAPI is marked by your teacher using OCR’s assessment criteria, which evaluate your knowledge of the activity’s demands, your analytical skills, and the quality of your proposed interventions. Your presentation is recorded and may be requested for external moderation.
    What are the main differences between OCR and AQA A-Level Physical Education?
    While both specifications cover similar core content, OCR separates the theoretical material into three distinct examined components, whereas AQA has two papers (one combining psychological and socio-cultural elements). OCR’s practical assessment is worth 30% and offers a broader choice of activities, including coaching, while AQA’s practical is 30% but requires a written/verbal analysis alongside performance in a fully competitive situation. Additionally, OCR includes some unique theoretical topics such as extensive biomechanics and the social construction of sport, and its mark schemes are known for rewarding depth of physiological knowledge.
    Assessment and exam guidance

    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

    Tips and common mistakes

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing legal supplements with illegal doping substances
    • •Failing to link the 'golden triangle' to specific examples
    • •Generalising the impact of technology without specifying the area (e.g., elite performance vs. participation)
    • •Confusing the roles of different organisations in elite development
    • •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

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Use specific, contemporary examples for all ethical and technological points
    • •Ensure you can explain both positive and negative impacts of commercialisation and media
    • •Be prepared to discuss the 'golden triangle' in detail
    • •Link technological advancements to specific outcomes like 'fairness' or 'entertainment' rather than just listing them
    • •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'

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