Physical Education

    OCR
    GCSE

    Specification: J587

    The OCR GCSE Physical Education specification covers 47 topics with 0 learning objectives (J587). 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.

    47

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    131

    Exam Tips

    56

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    28 revision guides for OCR GCSE Physical Education

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    Key Features

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

    About OCR GCSE Physical Education

    The OCR GCSE in Physical Education equips students with a deep understanding of the benefits of sport and physical activity, blending practical performance with theoretical knowledge. Across the two-year course, learners explore how the body works during exercise, the psychology behind sporting success, and the societal factors that influence participation. This specification is ideal for students who are passionate about sport, whether as performers, coaches, or future health professionals, and it encourages a holistic appreciation of both individual and team activities.

    Through a well-structured programme, students investigate the physiological and biomechanical principles that underpin human movement, from the skeletal and muscular systems to the cardiovascular and respiratory responses during training. They also delve into topics like performance-enhancing drugs, commercialisation of sport, and the role of technology in modern athletics. The course is designed to build analytical skills, enabling learners to evaluate their own and others’ performances using data and video analysis.

    Crucially, OCR’s specification integrates non-exam assessment (NEA) as a core component, where students demonstrate practical competence in three different activities and produce a written analysis of performance. This balance of exams (60%) and practical work (40%) ensures that learners can showcase their sporting talents while developing the ability to articulate and apply complex concepts. The specification is clear, logically sequenced, and supported by a wealth of teaching resources, making it a popular choice for schools and students alike.

    Assessment Structure

    The qualification is assessed through two written examination papers and a non-exam assessment (NEA) component. Paper 1 (Physical factors affecting performance) is a 1-hour paper worth 60 marks, contributing 30% of the total GCSE. Paper 2 (Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology) is also 1 hour and 60 marks, adding another 30%. The NEA (40%) is split into practical performances in three activities (one team, one individual, one free choice) together worth 30% (60 marks) and a written Analysing and Evaluating Performance (AEP) task worth 10% (20 marks). The total number of marks available is 200.

    Why Choose OCR?

    • OCR’s GCSE PE specification is renowned for its clarity and logical structure, making it straightforward for students to understand what is expected in both theory and practical components. The clearly defined topic areas and assessment criteria help learners organise their revision effectively.
    • With 40% of the qualification based on non-exam assessment, OCR offers a significant practical element, allowing students to showcase their sporting strengths. The opportunity to be assessed in three different activities (including both team and individual sports) provides flexibility and recognises diverse talent.
    • OCR provides an extensive range of free support materials, including past papers, mark schemes, examiner reports, and candidate exemplars. These resources are invaluable for revision and help students and teachers target higher grades by understanding common pitfalls and successful approaches.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    25%

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

    AO2
    20%

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

    AO3
    15%

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

    AO4
    40%

    • 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 three classes of levers and their specific examples in the body
    • •Misidentifying the articulating bones at specific joints
    • •Confusing planes of movement with axes of rotation
    • •Failing to apply theoretical knowledge to specific practical examples from sport
    • •Incorrectly defining cardiac output or stroke volume
    • •Confusing articulating bones at specific joints.
    • •Failing to apply skeletal functions to specific sporting examples.
    • •Incorrectly identifying the type of movement occurring at a joint during a specific phase of a sporting action.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Use specific practical examples from physical activities and sports to support your answers
    • •Ensure you can link the structure of a joint to the type of movement it allows
    • •Practice drawing and labeling the pathway of blood through the heart
    • •Be prepared to interpret data related to short-term and long-term effects of exercise
    • •Use correct anatomical terminology when describing joint actions and muscle roles
    • •Use specific sporting examples to illustrate how the skeleton allows for movement or protection.
    • •Ensure you can correctly identify the articulating bones for the four key joints: knee, elbow, shoulder, and hip.
    • •Practice linking joint types to the specific movements they allow.

    Specification Topics

    47 topics

    Applied anatomy and physiology

    1.1 Applied anatomy and physiology covers the basic structures and functions of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. It includes the study of movement analysis (levers, planes, and axes), the short and long-term effects of exercise on these systems, and the distinction between aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Other components of joints

    This topic covers the structure and function of the skeletal system, including the location of major bones, the functions of the skeleton, types of synovial joints, and the movements possible at hinge and ball and socket joints.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Types of movement at hinge joints and ball and socket joints

    This topic covers the structure and function of the skeletal system, including the location of major bones, the functions of the skeleton, types of synovial joints, and the movements possible at hinge and ball and socket joints.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Functions of the skeleton

    This topic covers the structure and function of the skeletal system, including the location of major bones, the functions of the skeleton, types of synovial joints, and the movements possible at hinge and ball and socket joints.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Location of major bones

    This topic covers the structure and function of the skeletal system, including the location of major bones, the functions of the skeleton, types of synovial joints, and the movements possible at hinge and ball and socket joints.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Types of synovial joint

    This topic covers the structure and function of the skeletal system, including the location of major bones, the functions of the skeleton, types of synovial joints, and the movements possible at hinge and ball and socket joints.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    The structure and function of the skeletal system

    This topic covers the structure and function of the skeletal system, including the location of major bones, the functions of the skeleton, types of synovial joints, and the movements possible at hinge and ball and socket joints.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    The structure and function of the muscular system

    This topic covers the structure and function of the muscular system, focusing on the location of major muscle groups and the roles of muscles in movement, including their function as agonists, antagonists, and fixators, and how they operate as antagonistic pairs.

    0 objectives2 tips

    The roles of muscle in movement

    This topic covers the structure and function of the muscular system, focusing on the location of major muscle groups and the roles of muscles in movement, including their function as agonists, antagonists, and fixators, and how they operate as antagonistic pairs.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Location of major muscle groups

    This topic covers the structure and function of the muscular system, focusing on the location of major muscle groups and the roles of muscles in movement, including their function as agonists, antagonists, and fixators, and how they operate as antagonistic pairs.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Planes of movement and axes of rotation

    Movement analysis covers the study of lever systems, planes of movement, and axes of rotation to understand how the body produces movement in physical activity and sport.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Movement analysis

    Movement analysis covers the study of lever systems, planes of movement, and axes of rotation to understand how the body produces movement in physical activity and sport.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Lever systems

    Movement analysis covers the study of lever systems, planes of movement, and axes of rotation to understand how the body produces movement in physical activity and sport.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Aerobic and anaerobic exercise

    This topic covers the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, including the double-circulatory system, blood vessels, the pathway of blood through the heart, key cardiac definitions, and the role of red blood cells.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Structure and function of the respiratory system

    This topic covers the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, including the double-circulatory system, blood vessels, the pathway of blood through the heart, key cardiac definitions, and the role of red blood cells.

    0 objectives3 tips

    The cardiovascular and respiratory systems

    This topic covers the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, including the double-circulatory system, blood vessels, the pathway of blood through the heart, key cardiac definitions, and the role of red blood cells.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Structure and function of the cardiovascular system

    This topic covers the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, including the double-circulatory system, blood vessels, the pathway of blood through the heart, key cardiac definitions, and the role of red blood cells.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Short-term effects of exercise

    The short-term effects of exercise refer to the immediate physiological changes that occur in the body during and immediately following physical activity, impacting muscles, the heart, and the respiratory system.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Long-term (training) effects of exercise

    The short-term effects of exercise refer to the immediate physiological changes that occur in the body during and immediately following physical activity, impacting muscles, the heart, and the respiratory system.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Effects of exercise on body systems

    The short-term effects of exercise refer to the immediate physiological changes that occur in the body during and immediately following physical activity, impacting muscles, the heart, and the respiratory system.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Physical training

    Physical training explores the components of fitness, principles of training, and methods to optimize performance and prevent injury in physical activity and sport.

    0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

    Components of fitness

    This topic covers the components of fitness required for physical activities and sports, how they are measured, and the application of training principles to improve fitness and prevent injury.

    0 objectives4 tips

    Optimising training

    This topic focuses on the application of training principles to optimise performance, including the use of the FITT principle, various training methods, and the physiological benefits of warm-ups and cool-downs.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Principles of training

    This topic focuses on the application of training principles to optimise performance, including the use of the FITT principle, various training methods, and the physiological benefits of warm-ups and cool-downs.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Applying the principles of training

    This topic focuses on the application of training principles to optimise performance, including the use of the FITT principle, various training methods, and the physiological benefits of warm-ups and cool-downs.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Preventing injury in physical activity and training

    This topic focuses on the knowledge and understanding of how to prevent injury when participating in physical activities and sport, including the identification of potential hazards in a range of settings.

    0 objectives

    Prevention of injury

    This topic focuses on the knowledge and understanding of how to prevent injury when participating in physical activities and sport, including the identification of potential hazards in a range of settings.

    0 objectives

    Socio-cultural influences

    This topic explores the socio-cultural factors that influence participation and performance in physical activity and sport in the UK. It covers engagement patterns of different social groups, the commercialisation of sport (including the 'golden triangle' of media, sponsorship, and sport), and ethical/socio-cultural issues such as sportsmanship, gamesmanship, deviance, drug use, and violence in sport.

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activities and sports

    This topic explores the engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activity and sport in the UK, including current participation trends, factors affecting participation, and strategies to promote participation.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Participation in physical activity and sport

    This topic explores the engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activity and sport in the UK, including current participation trends, factors affecting participation, and strategies to promote participation.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Physical activity and sport in the UK

    This topic explores the engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activity and sport in the UK, including current participation trends, factors affecting participation, and strategies to promote participation.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Commercialisation of physical activity and sport

    This topic explores the commercialisation of physical activity and sport, focusing on the 'golden triangle' relationship between sport, sponsorship, and the media. It covers the influence of various media types and the positive and negative effects of both media and sponsorship on participation and performance.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Commercialisation of sport

    This topic explores the commercialisation of physical activity and sport, focusing on the 'golden triangle' relationship between sport, sponsorship, and the media. It covers the influence of various media types and the positive and negative effects of both media and sponsorship on participation and performance.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Drugs in sport

    This topic covers the ethical and socio-cultural issues surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport, including the reasons for their use, specific types of drugs, and their impact on performance and the sporting environment.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Ethics in sport

    This topic covers the ethical and socio-cultural issues surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport, including the reasons for their use, specific types of drugs, and their impact on performance and the sporting environment.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Violence in sport

    This topic covers the ethical and socio-cultural issues surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport, including the reasons for their use, specific types of drugs, and their impact on performance and the sporting environment.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport

    This topic covers the ethical and socio-cultural issues surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sport, including the reasons for their use, specific types of drugs, and their impact on performance and the sporting environment.

    0 objectives2 tips

    Mental preparation

    Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Sports psychology

    Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Classification of skills

    Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Goal setting

    Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Characteristics of skilful movement

    Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Types of feedback

    Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Types of guidance

    Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

    0 objectives3 tips

    Diet and nutrition

    This topic explores the definitions of health, fitness and well-being, the benefits of physical activity, the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, and the role of diet and nutrition in supporting physical performance.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Health, fitness and well-being

    This topic explores the definitions of health, fitness and well-being, the benefits of physical activity, the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, and the role of diet and nutrition in supporting physical performance.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Health, fitness and well-being (topic area table)

    This topic explores the definitions of health, fitness and well-being, the benefits of physical activity, the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, and the role of diet and nutrition in supporting physical performance.

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

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