A-Level

Physical Education

East Barnet School > Education > All EBS Courses > KS5 > Physical Education
Physical Education

Entry Criteria

PE GCSE

Grade 6

Science GCSE

Grade 6

Combined or Separate

Careers

Studying A-Level Physical Education can lead to an array of career paths and higher education options. Many students go on to follow careers in education, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, sports science and analysis, sports coaching, diet and fitness instruction, sports psychology amongst other sports-related careers. A-Level PE can open the door to many higher education courses including degrees in Physical Education or Sports Science, Physiotherapy and, if studied alongside other A-Level Sciences or Maths, any Science based courses. The skills and knowledge developed in PE, when studied alongside other compatible subjects can also lead to degrees in business, humanities and the arts. 

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Course ID
OCR H555
Faculty
Expressive Arts
Department
Physical Education
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
K. Eustace
Head of Department
J. Langley
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
Physical Education

Course Overview

A-Level Physical Education offers an engaging, in-depth exploration into the world of sports, fitness, and physical performance, allowing students to study this dynamic subject in an academic setting while building practical skills. Through this course, students don’t just improve their own physical performance; they gain a deep understanding of the science, psychology, and socio-cultural elements that influence athletic achievements and the world of sport.

This A-Level explores fascinating topics like physiological factors affecting performance and how the body’s systems respond and adapt to exercise, as well as psychological factors, exploring what motivates athletes, the mental resilience required, and the effects of different strategies on performance. Additionally, students study the socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport, considering how culture, society, and media influence sports and shape the athletic landscape.

Assessment is structured to balance theory and practice, with 70% of the final grade coming from theoretical knowledge tested across three papers, and 30% from performance, where students showcase skills in a practical setting. This blend ensures that students not only learn about physical education but experience it firsthand.

A-Level Physical Education is perfect for anyone passionate about sports, fitness, and the science behind performance. This course prepares students with a comprehensive skill set highly valued in fields such as sports science, physiotherapy, coaching, sports psychology, and teaching, while also building analytical skills, resilience, and teamwork. For anyone looking to take their passion for sport to the next level, this course provides the foundation and inspiration to excel.

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1

H555/01 1.1 Applied Anatomy & Physiology: Skeletal & Muscular System. 1.3 Biomechanics: Biomechanical principles; Levers. 

H555/02 2.1 Skill Acquisition: Classification of skills; Types and methods of practice; Transfer of skills; Principles and theories of learning movement skills. 

H555/03 3.1 Sport and Society: Emergence and evolution of modern sport. 

H555/05 One practical activity selected by  students from the approved list. Students provided ‘Performance Log’ and OCR NEA activity criteria of core and advanced skills, which they encouraged to regularly participate in outside of lessons and keep a record. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • Exam Question responses 
  • Lesson engagement & questioning 
  • Attitudes to learning 
Autumn 2

H555/01 1.1 Applied Anatomy & Physiology: Cardiovascular System. 1.3 Biomechanics: Levers; Analysing movement through the use of  technology. 

H555/02 2.1 Skill Acquisition: Stages of learning; Guidance; Feedback. 

H555/03  3.1 Sport and Society: Emergence and evolution of modern sport and Sport in the 21st Century. 

H555/05 Introduction to video evidence of practical performance and start to gather video footage. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • 01, 02 & 03 Midterm tests 
  • Folders Check 
Spring 1

H555/01 1.1 Applied Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System. 1.2. Exercise Physiology: Diet and nutrition and their effect on physical activity and performance. 

H555/02 2.2 Sports Psychology: Individual differences. 

H555/03 3.1 Sport and Society: Sport in the 21st Century and Global Sporting Events. 

H555/06 Gather video footage for practical performance. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • 10 & 20 mark exam  question response 
Spring 2

H555/01 1.1 Applied Anatomy & Physiology: Respiratory System. 1.2. Exercise Physiology: Ergogenic Aids. 

H555/02 2.2 Sports Psychology: Individual differences. 

H555/03 3.1 Global Sporting Events. 

H555/05 Performance log and gather video footage for practical performance. 

H555/06 Students are introduced to the EAPI.  

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • 01, 02 & 03 End of term tests 
  • Folders Check 
Summer 1

H555/01 1.2. Exercise Physiology: Preparation  and training methods in relation to improving  and maintaining physical activity and  performance.  

H555/02 2.2 Sports Psychology: Group and team dynamics in sport. 

H555/03 3.2 Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport: Ethics and Deviance in Sport. 

H555/06 Gather video footage for practical performance. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • Exam Question responses 
  • Student presentation 
Summer 2

H555/01 1.2. Exercise Physiology: Preparation and training methods in relation to improving and maintaining physical activity and performance. 1.3. Biomechanics: Linear motion 

H555/02 2.2 Sports Psychology: Goal setting in sports performance. 

H555/033.2 Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport: Ethics and Deviance in Sport. 

H555/05 Tutorials on video evidence of practical performance. Gather video footage for practical performance. 

H555/06 Practice on EAPIs. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • 01, 02 & 03 Mock Exams 
  • Folders Check 
  • Quality of EAPI candidate notes 

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1

H555/01 1.1 Energy for Exercise: ATP; Energy  Systems Energy continuum. 1.3. Biomechanics: Linear motion, Angular motion, Fluid mechanics. 

H555/02 2.1 Skill Acquisition: Memory Models 2.2 Sports Psychology: Attribution; Confidence and self-efficacy in sports performance. 

H555/03 3.2 Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport: Commercialisation and Media; Routes to Sporting Excellence. 

H555/06 Gather video footage for practical performance. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • 01, 02 & 03 Midterm tests 
  • Folders Check 
Autumn 2

H555/01 1.1 Energy for Exercise: Recovery process; Environmental effects on body systems (altitude and heat). 1.2. Exercise Physiology: Acute and Chronic Injuries; Injury Prevention; Responding to injury; Rehabilitation. 1.3. Biomechanics: Projectile motion. 

H555/02 2.2 Sports Psychology: Leadership in sport; Stress management to optimise performance. 

H555/03  3.2 Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport:  Routes to Sporting Excellence; Modern Technology in Sport. 

H555/06 Gather video footage for practical performance. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Quality of classwork 
  • Quality of homework 
  • Exam Question responses 
  • Oral Response Assessment 

 

Spring 1

H555/01 1.2. Exercise Physiology: Acute and Chronic Injuries; Injury Prevention; Responding to injury; Rehabilitation. 

H555/05 Prepare for EAPI and complete Mock EAPI. 

H555/06 Gather video footage for practical performance. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • 01, 02 & 03 Mock Exams 
  • Mock EAPI 

 

Spring 2

H555/01 Revision 

H555/02 Revision 

H555/03 Revision 

H555/05 Complete practical performance video evidence, performance log and external moderation. 

H555/06 Complete EAPI. 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • EAPI 
  • Practical performance assessment 
Summer 1

H555/01 Revision 

H555/02 Revision 

H555/03 Revision 

Students’ progress will be monitored through: 

  • Exam Question responses  
Summer 2 A-Level Examination. A-Level Examination

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Brian Mac; A Level PE; OCR Specification; BBC Sport. OCR PE for A Level Year 1 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); OCR PE for A Level Year 2 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); My Revision Notes: OCR A Level PE (Keri Moorhouse); Physical Education Matters Journal available in the Library. Remember The Titans – about motivation and leadership; Icarus – deviance in sport and drug cheating; Sport Psychology (Ted Talk); Psychology of a Winner. Barnet Partnership for School Sport; School Clubs.

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Brian Mac; A Level PE; OCR Specification; BBC Sport. OCR PE for A Level Year 1 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); OCR PE for A Level Year 2 (John Honeybourne & Sarah Powell); My Revision Notes: OCR A Level PE (Keri Moorhouse); Physical Education Matters Journal available in the Library. Remember The Titans – about motivation and leadership; Icarus – deviance in sport and drug cheating; Sport Psychology (Ted Talk); Psychology of a Winner. Barnet Partnership for School Sport; School Clubs.

 

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