specification overview
OCR GCSE Physical Education (J587) is a single-tier linear qualification with two 1h written papers (60% combined) and two non-exam assessment components (40% combined) covering practical performance and an Analysis and Evaluation of Performance task. Component 01 is 30%; Component 02 is 30%; Component 04 (Practical Performances) is 30%; Component 05 (Analysis and Evaluation) is 10%.
subject content
1. Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance
Component 01- Applied anatomy and physiology (skeletal, muscular, cardio-respiratory)
- Physical training (fitness, principles of training, injury)
- Effects of exercise on body systems
2. Component 02: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology
Component 02- Socio-cultural influences (engagement patterns, commercialisation, ethics)
- Sports psychology (classification of skills, goal setting, mental preparation, guidance and feedback)
- Health, fitness and wellbeing
4. Component 04: Practical Performances (NEA)
NEA- Three practical activities from OCR's approved lists: one 'individual', one 'team', and one from either list
- 20 marks per activity (60 marks total). Internally assessed, moderated by OCR
5. Component 05: Analysis and Evaluation of Performance (NEA)
NEA- Analyse and evaluate performance in one activity from a Component 04 list
- Produce an action plan to improve performance quality and effectiveness (20 marks)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 01 (Physical factors affecting performance) | Anatomy, physiology, physical training, effects of exercise | 1h | 60 | 30% | Multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response |
| Component 02 (Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology) | Socio-cultural influences, sports psychology, health/fitness/wellbeing | 1h | 60 | 30% | Multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response |
| Component 04 (Practical Performances) | Three practical activities: one team, one individual, one either | NEA (coursework) | 60 | 30% | Practical performance, 20 marks per activity. Internally assessed, moderated by OCR |
| Component 05 (Analysis and Evaluation of Performance) | Written analysis + action plan for one practical activity | NEA (coursework) | 20 | 10% | Written coursework analysing performance and producing an improvement action plan. Internally assessed, moderated by OCR |
Practical performance (Component 04) is assessed in 3 activities (1 team, 1 individual, 1 either) from OCR's approved lists at 20 marks each. Component 05 is a written NEA analysing and evaluating performance in one activity and producing an action plan for improvement.
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. | 20% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport. | 15% |
| AO4 | Demonstrate and apply the relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport. Analyse and evaluate performance. | 40% |
key tips for success
Pick 3 practical activities carefully
Practical is 30% of qualification. Need 1 team, 1 individual, 1 either from OCR's approved list. Pick activities you're already competitive in.
Master anatomy diagrams
Component 01 tests skeletal, muscular, cardio-respiratory systems. Learn to draw labelled diagrams and explain function under pressure.
Practise the Component 05 structure
Analysis and Evaluation of Performance (Component 05, 10% of qualification, 20 marks) rewards clear structure: analyse strengths/weaknesses, evaluate against theory, propose an action plan for improvement. Follow OCR's template.
Learn named theorists for sport psychology
Component 02 tests sports psychology content: classification of skills (simple/complex, open/closed), characteristics of skilful movement, goal setting (SMART), mental preparation, types of guidance and types of feedback. Learn each with sports examples.
Master principles of training
Component 01 tests the principles of training: specificity, overload, progression and reversibility, plus FITT (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type). Learn all with applied examples.
Practise extended-response essays
Both components have extended-response essays. Reward: intro, 3 developed points with examples, judgement. Practise structure under time.
Where to next
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