A-LEVEL PHYSICAL EDUCATION - OCR

Introduction: Aims of the specification

The OCR specification leads to qualifications at AS GCE and Advanced GCE in Physical Education. Candidates take two units for AS and a further two units for A2. The qualification enables them to require knowledge and understanding in anatomical and physiological aspects, socio-cultural issues and acquiring and performing movement skills. The A2 part allows them to improve their knowledge and understanding in exercise physiology, sports psychology and historical studies and also allows them to integrate their knowledge of principles across different areas of physical Education.

Assessment Framework

Unit	Level	Unit Title	Duration	AS	Advanced GCE
G451	AS	An Introduction to Physical Education.	2hr written paper	60%	30%
G452	AS	Acquiring and Developing and Evaluating Practical Skills in Physical Education.	Practical Performance	40%	20%
G453	A2	Principles and concepts across Different Areas of Physical Education	2 half hr written paper		35%
G454	A2	The Improvement of Effective Performance and the Critical Evaluation of Practical activities in Physical Education	Practical performance		15%

Description of Teaching and Learning

G451- Examination: This exam includes 3 modules Socio-Cultural, Anatomy and Physiology and Acquiring Movement skills. Candidates will develop their knowledge and understanding of the role of physical activity and its impact on young people and apply knowledge to a lifelong involvement in an active and healthy balanced life style. This is a two-hour written examination, involving questions from all 3 modules.

G452- Practical moderation: Internally and externally. The candidate must choose two practical activities and perform their performances to an internally and externally.

G453- Examination: This section focuses on the Historical Factors, Exercise Physiology and Psychological issues in sport that have impacted upon participation and improved competence in physical activity as part of a balanced, active healthy lifestyle. The unit has two sections Socio-Cultural- Historical and Scientific options – Psychology and Exercise Physiology. Candidates answer 3 questions; one must be from each unit.

G454- Practical moderation and synoptic evaluation of performance: Candidates are assessed (orally) on their ability to perform effectively in the contextual situation in which the activity is normally performed. The effective performance is assessed against the criteria identified for each activity. The evaluation and appreciation of performance through observation and synopsis of knowledge, which is classed as synoptic assessment. Candidates will perform in one chosen activity.

Links to Future Careers

Students who complete this course successfully will not only have developed the practical and analytical skills to study, but will also possess the transferable skills of communication, confidence, co-operation and self-discipline. These skills are not only invaluable in all employment areas of Physical Education, performance and administration, but are essential skills in a wide range of occupations. Sports Science, PE teaching, sports development and physiotherapy are extremely popular careers.

Higher Education Successes of Former Students

Successful students have gone onto study Physiotherapy and Sports Science at Manchester, Loughborough, Leeds Met and Liverpool. Many have gone onto study PE (Hons) degree at LJMU, Leeds Carnegie, Sheffield Hallam and Nottingham University. A few have completed Sports Development at LJMU and Liverpool Hope Universities.

Additional Information

The anatomical and physiological and Exercise Physiology module of this course is studied in great depth and links extremely well with the sciences.

Please see Miss Fox-Parry (Head of Physical Education)