specification overview
OCR A-Level Physical Education (H555) is a two-year linear qualification with three written papers (Components 01, 02, 03) plus two non-exam assessment components (Component 05 Practical Performances, and Component 06 Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement). The papers cover physiological, psychological and socio-cultural factors affecting performance. The two NEA components together are worth 30% of the qualification.
subject content
1. Physiological factors affecting performance
Component 01- Applied anatomy and physiology
- Exercise physiology
- Biomechanics
2. Psychological factors affecting performance
Component 02- Skill acquisition, motor learning
- Sports psychology (motivation, arousal, groups)
3. Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport
Component 03- Sport and society
- Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport
4. Performance in physical education (NEA)
Components 05 and 06- Component 05: Practical Performances in one activity (performing or coaching)
- Component 06: Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement (EAPI)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 01 (Physiological factors) | Applied anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics | 2h | 90 | 30% | Structured questions and extended-response essays |
| Component 02 (Psychological factors) | Skill acquisition and sports psychology | 1h | 60 | 20% | Structured questions and one extended-response essay |
| Component 03 (Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport) | Sport and society, contemporary issues in physical activity and sport | 1h | 60 | 20% | Structured questions and one extended-response essay |
| Component 05 (Practical Performances) [NEA] | Performance or coaching of one activity from the OCR approved list | Coursework | 30 | 15% | Non-exam assessment: 30 raw marks weighted up to 45 |
| Component 06 (Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement, EAPI) [NEA] | Analysis and evaluation of a peer's performance drawing on the whole course | Coursework | 30 | 15% | Non-exam assessment: 30 raw marks weighted up to 45; an oral response captured on filmed evidence |
OCR splits the theory into three papers (physiological, psychological, socio-cultural) rather than two like AQA. The NEA is split across two components: Component 05 (Practical Performances) and Component 06 (EAPI). Component 06 is an oral response only, captured on filmed evidence, there is no written option.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 25% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 25% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 20% |
| AO4 | Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport. Analyse and evaluate performance. | 30% |
key tips for success
Pick your NEA activity carefully
You perform in one activity from OCR's approved list. Pick something you're already competitive in, the practical is worth 15% of the qualification (and the EAPI adds a further 15%).
Start the EAPI early
The Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement (EAPI), Component 06, is worth 30 raw marks (weighted to 45). It is an oral response captured on filmed evidence, so start scoping the analysis and rehearsing it aloud in year 12.
Master anatomy diagrams
Component 01 tests skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Learn to draw labelled diagrams and explain function under pressure.
Learn the theorists
Sport psychology needs named theorists (Weiner's attribution, Fiedler's contingency, Bandura's self-efficacy). Learn each and apply to case studies.
Practise biomechanics calculations
Component 01 includes biomechanics: projectile motion, angular motion, fluid mechanics. Learn key equations and practise calculations.
Structure extended responses with clear judgement
AO3 is 20% and rewards evaluation. Every extended answer needs a clear argument, applied examples and a considered judgement.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
