Physical Education A Level

Applications Open - 1st November 2025

Applications Close - 15th December 2025

Entry Requirements - Candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 35 points from their best six GCSE subjects or equivalent (in the view of the School).

• Points will be on a 1-9 point scale, where Grade 1=1 and 2=2 etc.

• Candidates must also obtain at least a Grade 5 in English and Maths at GCSE or equivalent (in the view of the School).

Candidates must meet the specific requirements for each A Level course they wish to study as published in the 2025 Sixth Form Prospectus, which will be available on the website.

How to Apply - Do not apply through Kent Choices. Please apply via Cranbrook School Website using the following link: https://www.cranbrookschool.co.uk/admissions/sixth-form-admissions/

What skills will this course develop?

• Develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance

• Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance

• Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity

• Understand the role technology in physical activity and sport

• Refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas

• Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance

• Understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness

• Improve as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds

Course intent and outline content:

There are FOUR assessment components to OCR’s A Level in Physical Education. THREE EXAMS: Components 01, 02 and 03.s

H555/01 Physiological factors affecting performance

This component will assess: 1.1 Applied anatomy and physiology , 1.2 Exercise physiology , 1.3 Biomechanics

Written paper: 2 hours 30% of total A Level 90 marks

This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions.

H555/02 Psychological factors affecting performance: 2.1 Skill acquisition , 2.2 Sports psychology 


Written paper: 1 hour 20% of total A Level 60 marks

This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions.

H555/03 Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport : 3.1 Sport and society , 3.2 Contemporary issues in physical activity 
and sport 


Written paper: 1 hour 20% of total A Level 60 marks

This paper consists of a mixture of objective response, short and medium length answers, and extended response items. It may also include multiple choice questions.

H555/05 Practical Performances :Either core and advanced skills in performing one activity

or 
core and advanced skills in coaching one activity. 


Non-exam assessment (NEA)
15% of total A Level
30 marks, weighted up to 45 marks

This NEA will consist of one activity taken from the approved list. Learners can be assessed in the role of performer or coach.

H555/06 Evaluating and Analysing Performance for Improvement

This component draws upon the knowledge, understanding and skills a learner has learnt throughout the course and enables them to analyse and evaluate a peer’s performance in one activity.

Non-exam assessment (NEA)
15% of total A Level
30 marks, weighted up to 45 marks This NEA will consist of observing a live or recorded performance by a peer and then providing an oral response analysand critically evaluating the performance.

As above, in "Content" section.

Minimum level 6 in both PE and Biology

Sports, Sports leadership, Sports Journalism, Sciences, Nutrition