Physical Education

Develop your performance, your understanding – and your future.
Have you ever wanted to take your sporting ability further, or turn your passion for sport, fitness and performance into a career? This A Level gives you the chance to:

Study how the body works, how the mind works and how society and sport interact
Apply theory directly to practical sporting contexts
Build on your performance as a performer or coach

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE physical education?

This qualification has been developed by OCR in consultation with teachers, employers and higher-education so it is relevant and challenging.
It gives you a blend of theory and practice: you’ll learn what underpins performance (physiology, psychology, sociology) and you’ll be assessed on your own performance or coaching.
It links well to many progression routes: sport science, physiotherapy, sports coaching, teaching, strength & conditioning, PE teaching, sports development, and more.
If you’re already active in sport, this course takes your interest seriously and gives you a real academic challenge with practical relevance.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Over the two years, you will study 4 key components (3 exams + 2 non‐exam assessments) that cover:

Physiological factors affecting performance
Psychological factors affecting performance
Socio-cultural issues in physical activity & sport
Performance: your own performance/coaching + analysis & evaluation of performance OCR+1

Assessment breakdown:

Component 01 (H555/01): Physiological factors – 2 hour written paper, ~30% of A Level. A Level PE+1
Component 02 (H555/02): Psychological factors – 1 hour written paper, ~20%. A Level PE
Component 03 (H555/03): Socio-cultural & contemporary issues – 1 hour written paper, ~20%. A Level PE
Component 04 / NEA: Practical performance/coaching (H555/05) – approx. 15% of A Level.
Component 05 / NEA: Evaluating and analysing performance (H555/06) – approx. 15% of A Level. A Level PE

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Physiological factors – how the body works, how training works, how biomechanics applies to movement. Topics include applied anatomy & physiology, exercise physiology (nutrition, training, injury), biomechanics (levers, motion, forces). Save My Exams+1

Psychological factors – how we learn skills, how we perform under pressure, how mental factors affect performance. Includes skill acquisition, sports psychology (motivation, confidence, group dynamics). The PE Classroom+1

Socio-cultural & contemporary issues – how society and sport influence each other. Topics include: development of modern sport, social class, gender, ethics & deviance, media & technology in sport. Save My Exams+1

Performance/Coaching & Analysis – You will either perform or coach in a chosen activity from the OCR approved list. You will also analyse and evaluate a performance (your own or another) and propose improvements. Richard Huish College+1

wHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This course is ideal if you:

Already take part regularly in competitive sport, and want to develop your performance further
Are interested in how the body and mind work in sport
Are keen to improve and analyse performance (your own or others)
Want to balance practical activity with academic challenge
Are considering higher-education or a career in sport, coaching, fitness, physiotherapy, PE teaching, sports psychology/ management

WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR sixth Form?

Expert staff with experience in A-Level provision, competition and coaching
Well-equipped facilities (gym, astro, 25m pool, sports hall and pitches)
Extra-curricular opportunities – clubs, competitions, links to local clubs and academies
Support for independent learning – the theory content is rich and demanding: you will be expected to do 3 x hour per week studying and/or completing homework on each of the three papers

Progression & CaREER LINKS

Completing this A Level opens up many possibilities, including:

University courses in Sport Science, Physiotherapy, Sports Coaching, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Management
Apprenticeships or traineeships in coaching, fitness industry, sports development
Careers in PE teaching, performance analysis, sports psychology, biomechanics, outdoor/adventure leadership
Direct employment in sport/fitness clubs along with further qualifications (eg. Level 3 Coaching, Personal Training)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 6 in GCSE PE, plus a Grade 5 in GCSE Science.
You must be actively involved at a competitive level in a sport from the OCR specification and be committed to regular training. You will need a witness statement from a coach or instructor.
You will need to organise your time effectively: theory lessons, practical commitments and independent study.
A positive, hardworking attitude: you will be expected to engage in discussion of current sports issues, to reflect on your performance, and to research external examples (news, media, scientific developments).