Physical Education OCR A level

Applications Open: 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: 23rd March 2026

Entry Requirements: an overall GCSE points score of at least 50 (including grade 4 or higher in both Mathematics and English Language) is required to enrol. You also need to qualify for each of the subjects (minimum 3) you wish to take - a GCSE grade 6 or higher (7 or higher for Mathematics and Music) is required. See our prospectus for full details.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Building on our long tradition of sporting excellence and the development of our Elite Sport Academies, we are very pleased to be offering Advanced Level Physical Education and Sport to students entering our senior school.

OCR’s Advanced level GCE in Physical Education seeks to develop the student’s knowledge, understanding, skills and application for physical education and sport.

This specification is a refreshing and innovative approach to the study of Physical Education (PE) and sport at an advanced level. Students will develop an understanding of how sports science can be used to enhance their own performance.

This course should not be considered as an easy option (70% theory based). The course demands a high level of commitment to sport (30% practical based). Success in Advanced Level Physical Education and Sport will provide a stepping stone to higher education and/or to a career in the ever-expanding sport and leisure industry. In recent years, a number of students have gone on to study Sport Science, Physical Education and Strength and Conditioning at a number of prestigious universities including Loughborough and Exeter. Sport and Physical Education is widely recognised by the top universities as a science subject and may also complement the study of other Advanced Level subjects, particularly the sciences.

Sports Physiology and Biomechanical Movement: This unit is divided into two subject areas: the first delves into the science behind the musculo-skeletal, cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular systems. Other topics you will study include energy systems, principles of training, nutrition and health components of fitness. The second area looks at biomechanical movement which includes an analysis of human movement and focuses on Newton’s Laws and lever systems.

Sports Psychology and Skill Acquisition: In Year 12, students will develop a knowledge and understanding of how athletes acquire and develop movement skills and use guidance/feedback to aid performance. The Year 13 course is more focused on how group dynamics can affect performance and how elite sports performers mentally prepare for exercise by using the attribution theory and stress management techniques.

History of Sport and Contemporary Sporting Issues: Students will learn about the development of sport in the United Kingdom and how it has influenced society and sporting cultures today, as well as contemporary issues such as sponsorship, media, drugs and violence in sport. Students will also look at the enhanced use of technology in sports performance.

Practical Aspect: The fundamental ethos for this unit is to engage participants in two tasks. Students will be assessed as a performer or coach in their favourite sport (check the OCR website for the list of possible sports), where we expect students to be competing on a weekly basis. In addition, students will observe the performance of an individual, provide verbal analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, and create a development plan to improve their performance.

Grade 6 in GCSE PE, or 6 in GCSE Biology/66 in Dual Science if PE was not studied.

Please note that applicants must also meet our overall entry requirements of scoring at least a total of 50 points (simply add up all your GCSE grades) and achieving a Grade 4 or higher in both English Language and Mathematics.