Physical Education

OCR

GCSE

Specification: J587

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Study Guides

3 revision guides for OCR GCSE Physical Education

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

25%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

AO2

20%

Apply knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

AO3

15%

Analyse and evaluate the factors that underpin performance and involvement in physical activity and sport

AO4

40%

• Demonstrate and apply relevant skills and techniques in physical activity and sport • Analyse and evaluate performance

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

OCR

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name or select

Describe

2-4 marks

Account of process or features

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

Evaluate

9-12 marks

Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Using lay terms like 'collar bone' or 'shoulder blade' instead of 'clavicle' or 'scapula'.
•Stating 'movement' as a function without explaining the role of muscle attachment and leverage.
•Confusing the function of 'mineral storage' (calcium/phosphorus) with 'energy storage'.
•Confusing 'eccentric contraction' with 'relaxation'; failing to recognize that muscles lengthen under tension to control gravity.
•Omitting the role of the 'fixator' when describing antagonistic muscle action in complex movements.
•Identifying the wrong muscle as the agonist during the downward/recovery phase of a movement (e.g., stating the triceps are the agonist in the downward phase of a bicep curl).
•Vague terminology: using 'tensing' instead of 'contracting' or 'working'.
•Confusing the pulmonary artery (deoxygenated) with the pulmonary vein (oxygenated) due to the general rule that arteries carry oxygenated blood.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Memorise the location of all major bones to ensure accuracy in labelling diagrams.
•When asked for functions, provide the specific mechanism (e.g., 'leverage') rather than just the outcome.
•Ensure movement analysis links the bone, the joint type, and the specific sporting action.
•When analysing the 'downward phase' of a movement (e.g., squat, press-up), the agonist is usually the same muscle as the upward phase, but acting eccentrically.
•Always state the specific type of isotonic contraction (concentric or eccentric); 'isotonic' alone is often insufficient for higher tariff marks.
•Use the 'Joint-Action-Muscle-Type' structure for movement analysis questions to ensure all AO2/AO3 criteria are met.
•Memorize the specific location of major muscle groups to avoid labeling errors on anatomical diagrams.
•When asked to describe the pathway of blood, explicitly name the valves (tricuspid/bicuspid/semi-lunar) to secure maximum marks, even if not explicitly prompted.