OCR GCSE Physical Education
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The OCR GCSE Physical Education specification covers 34 study areas with 264 learning objectives (J587). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 34 study areas
- 264 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 401
- verified practice questions
- 88
- verified teaching notes
- 34
- topics
- 1
- audio lessons
Your exams
- Physical factors affecting performanceThursday, 13 May 2027, PM
- Socio-cultural issues and sports psychologyThursday, 20 May 2027, PM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical factors affecting performance | 60 min | 60 | 30% |
| Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology | 60 min | 60 | 30% |
| Practical Performances | - | 60 | 30% |
| Analysing and Evaluating Performance | - | 20 | 10% |
Explore your topics
34 study areas
Physical factors affecting performance8 topics
The structure and function of the skeletal system
1.1.a. The structure and function of the skeletal system - Location of major bonesThis target asks you to name each listed bone and place it correctly on the body.3 objectives- 1.1.a. The structure and function of the skeletal system - Functions of the skeletonThis target asks you to explain six functions of the skeleton and apply each to a sporting or everyday example.3 objectives
- 1.1.a. The structure and function of the skeletal system - Types of synovial joint3 specification points covering know the definition of a synovial joint, know the following hinge joints: • knee – articulating bones – femur, tibia • elbow…9 objectives
- 1.1.a. The structure and function of the skeletal system - Types of movement at hinge joints and ball and socket joints2 specification points covering know the types of movement at hinge joints and be able to apply them to examples from physical activity/sport: • flexion •…6 objectives
- 1.1.a. The structure and function of the skeletal system - Other components of jointsJoints contain soft tissues whose roles differ and are easily confused.3 objectives
The structure and function of the muscular system
1.1.b. The structure and function of the muscular system - Location of major muscle groupsThis item tests whether you can name each listed muscle group, place it on the body and link it to a sporting action.3 objectives- 1.1.b. The structure and function of the muscular system - The roles of muscle in movementThis item tests three roles a muscle can play during a movement and your ability to apply them to sport.3 objectives
Movement analysis
1.1.c. Movement analysis - Lever systems2 specification points covering know the three classes of lever and their use in physical activity and sport: • 1st class – neck • 2nd class – ankle • 3rd…6 objectives- 1.1.c. Movement analysis - Planes of movement and axes of rotation2 specification points covering know the location of the planes of movement in the body and their application to physical activity and sport: • frontal •…6 objectives
The cardiovascular and respiratory systems
1.1.d. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems - Structure and function of the cardiovascular system5 specification points covering know the double-circulatory system (systemic and pulmonary), know the different types of blood vessel: • arteries •…15 objectives- 1.1.d. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems - Structure and function of the respiratory system4 specification points covering understand the pathway of air through the respiratory system: • mouth • nose • trachea • bronchi • bronchiole • alveoli,…12 objectives
- 1.1.d. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems - Aerobic and anaerobic exercise2 specification points covering know the definitions of: • aerobic exercise • anaerobic exercise, be able to apply practical examples of aerobic and…6 objectives
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Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology5 topics
Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activities and sports
2.1.a. Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activities and sports - Physical activity and sport in the UKThis topic asks you to know what current participation trends look like in the UK and where the evidence comes from.3 objectives- 2.1.a. Engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activities and sports - Participation in physical activity and sport3 specification points covering understand how different factors can affect participation, including: • age • gender • ethnicity • religion/culture • family…9 objectives
Commercialisation of physical activity and sport
2.1.b. Commercialisation of physical activity and sport - Commercialisation of sport3 specification points covering understand the influence of the media on the commercialisation of physical activity and sport: • different types of media –…9 objectivesEthical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
2.1.c. Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport - Ethics in sport2 specification points covering know and understand: • the value of sportsmanship • the reasons for gamesmanship and deviance in sport., be able to apply…6 objectives- 2.1.c. Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport - Drugs in sport4 specification points covering know and understand the reasons why sports performers use drugs, know the types of drugs and their effect on performance: •…12 objectives
- 2.1.c. Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport - Violence in sport2 specification points covering know and understand the reasons for player violence, give practical examples of violence in sport..6 objectives
Sports psychology
Sports psychology - Characteristics of skilful movement2 specification points covering know the definition of motor skills, understand and be able to apply examples of the characteristics of skilful movement: •…6 objectives- Sports psychology - Classification of skills2 specification points covering know continua used in the classification of skills, including: • simple to complex skills (difficulty continuum) • open to…6 objectives
- Sports psychology - Goal setting3 specification points covering understand and be able to apply examples of the use of goal setting: • for exercise/training adherence • to motivate…9 objectives
- Sports psychology - Mental preparationMental preparation techniques help a performer control arousal, focus and confidence before and during performance.3 objectives
- Sports psychology - Types of guidanceGuidance is the information a coach or teacher gives to help a learner acquire or improve a skill.3 objectives
- Sports psychology - Types of feedbackFeedback is the information a performer receives about their movement and its outcome, and it shapes how quickly a skill is learned and refined.3 objectives
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Practical Performances1 topic
About this course
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
What is the difference between OCR and AQA GCSE Physical Education?
How is the practical assessment structured in OCR GCSE PE?
Do I need to be an elite athlete to do well in OCR GCSE PE?
Can I be assessed in activities I do outside school, such as horse riding or skiing?
What topics are covered in the two theory exams?
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport. Analyse and evaluate performance.
Exam Structure
Physical factors affecting performance
1h
Duration
60
Marks
30%
Weighting
Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology
1h
Duration
60
Marks
30%
Weighting
Practical Performances
Not stated
Duration
60
Marks
30%
Weighting
Analysing and Evaluating Performance
Not stated
Duration
20
Marks
10%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Swaps the radius and ulna; remember the radius sits on the thumb side and the ulna on the little-finger side
- •Confuses the tibia and fibula; the tibia is the thicker shin bone and the fibula the thinner outer bone
- •Places the carpals in the palm; keep carpals at the wrist and metacarpals in the palm
- •Mixes up the clavicle and scapula; the clavicle is the collarbone and the scapula the shoulder blade
- •Places the patella behind the knee; the patella is the kneecap at the front of the knee
- •Treats support and posture as the same function; support is holding the body upright and posture is holding it in correct alignment
- •Names protection without saying which organ is protected; always pair the bone with the organ, such as the ribs and sternum protecting the heart and lungs
- •Says movement happens because bones contract; muscles contract and bones act as levers with joints
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Learn the bones in regional groups (head and trunk, shoulder girdle, arm, hand, leg, foot) so each name has a clear home
- •Practise labelling a blank skeleton diagram until you can place every listed bone without prompts
- •Use side-by-side pairs (radius/ulna, tibia/fibula, carpals/metacarpals) to fix the differences before the exam
- •For each function, give a named bone plus a clear example so the application is explicit
- •Keep support and posture distinct by describing upright framework versus correct alignment
- •Use a sporting context, such as a gymnast's posture or a thrower's arm levers, to show application
- •Read all options before choosing, because several may describe joints in general rather than synovial joints specifically
- •Look for the option that mentions a joint cavity or synovial fluid, as these are the defining features
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