Examination Board: OCR Topics

A Level:

• Physiological Factors Affecting Performance
• Psychological Factors Affecting Performance
• Socio-cultural and Contemporary Issues

Assessment:

Component 1 (30%) Physiological Factors Affecting Performance                        (2 hour examination paper)

Component 2 (20%) Psychological Factors Affecting Performance           (1 hour examination paper)

Component 3 (20%) Socio-cultural and Contemporary Issues                     (1 hour examination paper)

Component 4 (30%) Performance with Physical Education (internal assessment/external moderation)

What extra-curricular activities support this course?

The practical aspect of the course is not taught directly and so students must be committed to at least one sport outside of school. Their assessment in this area is linked directly to the level they compete at and suitable candidates are most likely to be training and competing at least twice a week on average.   Performance at club level or above is crucial.

Quotations from students:

“I loved GCSE PE and want to do something sport related at university so A- level PE was the one A-level I really wanted to do. It is difficult, there’s a lot of physiology and science, but because it all relates to sport it’s really interesting. I compete in martial arts at a high standard so it meant my coursework score was definitely going to be high and my teacher said this would help.”

What other courses often combine successfully with this course?

• Psychology
• Biology
• Physics
• Maths

What kinds of students are most suited to this course?

• Students with good practical skills in sport and who compete or perform to a high level
• Students who have a high level of motivation and an interest in the study of sport at a high level
• Students with the ability to cope with advanced scientific concepts and theoretical knowledge
• Students with the ability to analyse, observe and understand performance

What career or higher education options might this course lead to?

Sports Science – Physiotherapy – Teacher Training in PE – Sports Management – Sport Studies – Personal Training