A-Level

OCR A-Level Physical Education Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations specification. 8 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

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About OCR A-Level Physical Education

OCR provides GCSE and A-Level qualifications with a strong academic heritage. Their specifications are developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and are widely adopted across England.

A-Level Physical Education combines the scientific study of sport and exercise with practical performance assessment. You will study exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, and socio-cultural influences on sport, while also being assessed on your performance in a chosen sport. The academic content is substantial and rigorous — this is not simply a practical subject.

Topics in OCR A-Level Physical Education

1 Exercise Physiology

2 Biomechanics

3 Sports Psychology

4 Sport & Society

5 Technology in Sport

6 Skill Acquisition

7 Health & Fitness

8 Practical Performance

Study Tips for OCR Physical Education

Learn the detailed anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems as they relate to exercise. Be able to explain the physiological responses to exercise using correct terminology — for example, the role of the Frank-Starling mechanism in increasing stroke volume during exercise.

For biomechanics, practise applying Newton s laws and principles of levers to sporting movements. Draw clear annotated diagrams showing force vectors, joint actions, and movement planes for specific skills in your chosen sport.

Create case study examples linking sport psychology theories (such as self-efficacy theory, the inverted-U hypothesis, and attribution theory) to real sporting scenarios. Being able to apply theoretical models to practical examples is essential for high marks.

For your coursework analysis, choose a specific aspect of performance to investigate and use data collection methods (video analysis, fitness testing, performance statistics) to support your analysis. Evidence-based analysis scores significantly higher than general observation.