OCR AS Physical Education: An Overview

Introduction

The OCR AS Level Physical Education course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors that influence participation and performance in sport. It serves as a foundation for higher education and careers in sports science, physiotherapy, teaching, and coaching.

Component 01: Physiological Factors Affecting Performance

This component focuses on the science behind human movement and the body's response to exercise. Key areas of study include:

• Applied Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the skeletal and muscular systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the energy systems (ATP-PC, Glycolytic, and Aerobic) that fuel physical activity.
• Exercise Physiology: Examining the effects of exercise on the body, including recovery processes, altitude training, and the impact of performance-enhancing aids.
• Biomechanics: Analyzing motion, including Newtons Laws of motion, linear and angular motion, fluid mechanics, and the role of levers in sports performance.

Component 02: Psychological Factors Affecting Performance

This section explores the mental processes that dictate how athletes approach competition and training. Topics include:

• Skill Acquisition: Differentiating between skill and ability, classifying skills, and understanding the stages of learning. It also covers feedback mechanisms and guidance techniques used by coaches.
• Sports Psychology: Investigating personality, attitudes, motivation, arousal, anxiety, aggression, and group dynamics. Understanding how these factors influence the "home field advantage" and team cohesion.

Component 03: Socio-Cultural Issues in Physical Activity and Sport

This component looks at the external societal factors that shape the world of sport, focusing on:

• Sport and Society: The history of sport, the development of the Olympic Games, and the role of schools in promoting physical activity.
• Contemporary Issues: Analyzing the ethics of sport, including violence, drug use (doping), the influence of commercialization and media, and the promotion of equality through sport.

Component 04: Performance in Physical Education (NEA)

The Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) is a critical part of the AS qualification. Students are assessed on:

• Performance: Being assessed in one practical activity as a performer or coach, evaluated against specific performance criteria.
• Evaluation and Analysis of Performance (EAPI): The student must observe a live or recorded performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and propose a corrective action plan to improve the athlete's performance.

Study Tips for Success

• Apply Theory to Practice: OCR examinations favor candidates who can link theoretical concepts to real-world sporting examples. When discussing a muscle group, name a specific movement in a sport.
• Master the Command Words: Understand the difference between "describe," "explain," and "evaluate." This is vital for securing high marks in long-answer questions.
• Regular Review: Due to the scientific nature of anatomy and physiology, regular revision is required to retain complex terminology regarding the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
• Focus on the EAPI: Do not leave the evaluation project until the last minute. Consistent observation of elite performances throughout the year will make the final assessment much easier to manage.