Physical Education
PHYSICAL EDUCATION OCR J587
Why study GCSE Physical Education?
You will enjoy this course and benefit from it if you have an interest in Physical Education, or are considering a career in Physiotherapy, the Fitness Industry, the Leisure Industry, Sports Psychology, Nutrition, becoming a Physical Education Teacher or if you are keen to specialise in Sports Injuries. In most cases, students who take A Level PE have studied it at GCSE.
How is it assessed?
Unit 1: Physical factors affecting performance (30%)
Written Paper: 1 hour
Students visit a variety of topics including the structure and function of the skeletal system, the structure and function of the muscular system, movement analysis, cardiovascular and respiratory system, effects of exercise on body systems, components of fitness, applying the principles of training, preventing injury in physical activity and training.
Unit 2: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology (30%)
Written Paper: 1 hour
Students visit a variety of topics including engagement patterns of different social groups in physical activities and sports, commercialisation of physical activity and sport, ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport, sports psychology, health, fitness and well-being, diet and nutrition.
Unit 3: Performance in Physical Education (40%)
Candidates MAY be asked to provide video evidence of them playing in competitive situations in and outside of school. This is a requirement of the exam board and will be sent to the moderator to be assessed. Further information will be given by teachers. Candidates are also required to keep a log book of their competitive sport throughout the course.
3.1 Performance of three activities: one individual, one team and one from either list
Individual sports: Amateur boxing, Athletics, Badminton, Boccia, Canoeing, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Figure Skating, Golf, Gymnastics, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Rowing, Sailing, Sculling, Skiing, Snowboarding, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Trampolining, Boccia, Polybat, Windsurfing
Team sports: Acrobatic Gymnastics, Association Football, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Cricket, Dance, Gaelic football, Figure Skating, Futsal, Goal ball, Handball, Hockey, Hurling, Ice Hockey, Inline Roller Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Rowing, Rugby League/Union, Squash, Sailing, Sculling, Table Cricket, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Blind Cricket, Powerchair Football, Wheelchair Basketball/Rugby, Water Polo.
Candidates can be assessed in a sport they pursue outside of school, provided it is on the list of approved activities which has been updated for candidates commencing the course in September 2022.
3.2 Analysing and Evaluating Performance (AEP), 14 hours to complete in lessons
Analyse aspects of personal performance in a practical activity
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the performance
Produce an action plan which aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of the performance
How can I find out more?
See Mrs Hunter, Miss Cross, your PE teacher or the PE Subject Ambassadors. Have a look at the OCR website where you will find the specification: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/physical-education-j587-from-2016/