GCSE Physical Education
OCR GCSE in Physical Education is a dynamic course that allows students to step into the world of Sport Science. It equips students with vital skills for both academic and practical success.
The course blends theory with hands-on experience, helping you build expertise in analysing and evaluating performance, as well as refining practical skills in a variety of sports.
The course is split into two theoretical written papers and one non-examined assessment (NEA), which covers your practical performance and analysis skills.
Component One: Physical Factors Affecting Performance
This component focuses on the science behind movement and training.
- Applied Anatomy and Physiology: You will study how the skeletal and muscular systems function during activity, including joints, muscle roles, and leverage. You will also learn about the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the short-term and long-term effects of exercise on the body.
- Physical Training: This involves learning the components of fitness (e.g., strength, endurance) and methods for testing them. You will also cover the principles of training (like FITT and overload), creating effective training programmes, and methods for optimising performance and preventing injury.
Component 02: Socio-cultural Issues and Sports Psychology
This component examines the psychological and social factors that influence sport and participation.
- Socio-cultural Influences: You will investigate factors that affect participation in sport, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and cost. You'll also study commercialisation (the 'golden triangle' of sport, sponsorship, and media) and ethical issues like sportsmanship, gamesmanship, and the use of drugs.
- Sports Psychology: This covers the characteristics of skilful movement, methods for classifying skills (like open/closed), mental preparation techniques, goal setting (e.g., SMART goals), and the use of guidance and feedback to improve performance.
- Health, Fitness, and Well-being: You will learn about the physical, emotional, and social benefits of physical activity, the risks of a sedentary lifestyle (like obesity and heart disease), and the importance of a balanced diet (macronutrients, micronutrients, and hydration).
Component One: Physical factors affecting performance
- Examination
- (60 marks / 60 minutes)
- (30% of the overall grade)
- Focuses on Applied Anatomy & Physiology and Physical Training.
Component Two: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology
- Examination
- (60 marks / 60 minutes)
- (30% of the overall grade)
- Focuses on Socio-cultural, Sports Psychology, and Health.
Component Three: Practical Performances
- Non examined assessment
- Performance in three practical activities: One Team, One Individual, and One other from either list.
- (20 marks each, 60 total)
- (30% of overall grade)
- Assessed on skills, techniques, and application of rules in competitive conditions.
Component Four: Analysis and Evaluation of Performance
- Non examined assessment - – coursework/portfolio
- (20 marks, completed within lesson time)
- (10% of the overall grade)
- A written task where you analyse and evaluate your own practical performance in one of your chosen sports and create an action plan for improvement.
Studying GCSE PE provides a strong foundation for many different paths, developing transferable skills like analysis, communication, and teamwork. Potential further study and career pathways include:
Further Education: A-Level Physical Education, BTEC Sport, or other related subjects like Biology, Psychology, or Sociology.
Sport & Fitness:
- Coaching/Instruction: Sports Coach, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer
- Performance: Professional Athlete (with further specialist training)
- Therapy/Health: Physiotherapist, Sports Therapist, Nutritionist.
Health & Education:
- Teaching: PE Teacher, Primary School Teacher
- Health Services: Public Health Worker, NHS roles.
Sport Management & Business:
- Sports Administration, Marketing, or PR for a sports club or organisation
- Events Management.
Other Fields: The analytical and critical-thinking skills gained are valuable in fields like research, journalism, or any career that requires understanding complex human behaviour and physiology
There are a number of useful PE websites for revision or extra help on any PE topic:
BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/ztrcg82
Specification specific revision pages.
The Everleaner: https://theeverlearner.com/
This is a one stop shop for PE. The department funds the students access to this resource. It contains video content on every subtopic, followed by low stakes quizzing and practice test modes. Students get unlimited access to 1000’s of practice questions, with immediate feedback. We have access to their completion and success data, allowing us to look for areas of improvement in their knowledge.
