A Level Course Content

1. Home
2. Subjects
3. Physical Education
4. Examination PE
5. A Level Course Content

A Level Physical Education – OCR Exam Board

Component 1: Physiological factors affecting performance

• 1 Applied anatomy and physiology
• 2 Exercise physiology
• 3 Biomechanics

Students will gain a deeper understanding of key systems in the body and how they react to changes in diet and exercise. They will also study the effects of force and motion on the body and how these effects can be used in physical activities to our advantage.

30% of the A level (2 hour, 90 marks written paper)

Component 2: Psychological factors affecting performance

2.1 Skill acquisition

2.2 Sports psychology

Students will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying psychological factors that influence our performance in physical activity and sport. They will learn how to apply the theories to practical examples, giving guidance and feedback in constructive ways that are suited to that individual’s personality; therefore assisting in developing practical performance in physical activities and sports.

20% of the A level (1 hour, 60 marks written paper)

Component 3: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport

3.1 Sport and society

3.2 Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport.

Component 3 focuses on the sociological and contemporary issues that influence and affect physical activity and sport for both the audience and the performer and how sport affects society. It includes the emergence and evolution of modern sport and how social and cultural factors shaped the characteristics of sports and pastimes in pre-industrial and post-industrial Britain.

The impact of the modern Olympic Games will be understood as well as the impact on society of hosting global sporting events. The ever-evolving modern technology and its influence on sport performers and spectators will be understood and practical examples will be used by learners to show the effect of modern technology.

20% of the A level (1 hour, 60 marks written paper)

Component 4: Performance in physical education

4.1 Performance or coaching of approved sport

4.2 The Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for improvement (EAPI)

Students can be assessed in the role of performer or coach in one activity. In doing so, they are required to demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions.

In addition to a practical performance, students will be assessed in the Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI). They will observe a live or recorded performance by a peer in either their own assessed performance activity or another activity from the approved list. Through observation, learners will provide an oral response analysing and critically evaluating their peers’ performance.

30% of the A level (Non-exam assessment, 60 marks)

A Level Assessment Objectives

• AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
• AO2 - Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
• AO3 - Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport.
• AO4 - Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport. Analyse and evaluate performance.