OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE) specification (J587)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE) exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE) specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE) (J587) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Physical Education (PE) is a dynamic and practical course that engages learners with both theoretical knowledge and physical competence. The qualification is structured to help learners develop as effective participants in sport and physical activity, and promotes a holistic understanding of physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors that affect performance.
This qualification enables learners to: • apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios and sport performance • develop skills in a wide range of physical activities through assessed performance • understand how body systems, training methods and psychology influence performance • evaluate performance to improve technique and effectiveness • gain insight into health, well-being, diet, and socio-cultural impacts on participation
The course is suitable for progression to further study in PE, sport science, or related fields, and equips learners with transferable skills for lifelong engagement in physical activity:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance 1.1 Applied anatomy and physiology
- Skeletal and muscular systems: bones, joints, muscle groups, movement types, and roles (agonist, antagonist, etc.)
- Cardiovascular and respiratory systems: structure, function, exercise effects, aerobic vs anaerobic activity
- Movement analysis: lever systems, planes and axes
- Short- and long-term effects of exercise on the body
1.2 Physical training
- Components of fitness: definitions, examples and testing methods
- Principles and methods of training: FITT, overload, specificity, progression
- Optimising training and injury prevention: warm-up/cool-down benefits, hazard awareness
Component 02: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology 2.1 Socio-cultural influences
- Participation factors: age, gender, ethnicity, access, cost, discrimination
- Commercialisation: media, sponsorship, golden triangle
- Ethical issues: sportsmanship, gamesmanship, drugs, violence
2.2 Sports psychology
- Characteristics of skilful movement: efficiency, fluency, aesthetics
- Skill classification: difficulty and environmental continua
- Goal setting (SMART), mental preparation, types of guidance and feedback
2.3 Health, fitness and well-being
- Physical, emotional and social health benefits
- Risks of a sedentary lifestyle: obesity, heart disease, diabetes
- Balanced diet: macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration effects
Component 04: Practical Performances (NEA)
- Three activities: one team, one individual, one from either list
- Assessed on performance, techniques, tactics, and application of rules
- Activities must be performed competitively; prohibited combinations apply
Component 05: Analysing and Evaluating Performance (NEA)
- Written task: analyse and evaluate own or peer performance
- Develop action plan for improvement
- Based on knowledge and understanding across the course:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 01: Physical factors affecting performance
- Written exam: 1 hour
- 60 marks, 30% of GCSE
- Question types: multiple choice, short answer, extended response
- Calculator allowed
Component 02: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology
- Written exam: 1 hour
- 60 marks, 30% of GCSE
- Question types: multiple choice, short answer, extended response
Component 04: Practical Performances (NEA)
- Three activities (team/individual)
- 60 marks, 30% of GCSE
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Conducted under applied/competitive conditions
Component 05: Analysing and Evaluating Performance (NEA)
- One written performance analysis task
- 20 marks, 10% of GCSE
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Must follow controlled conditions
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 25%
- AO2: Application – 20%
- AO3: Analysis and evaluation – 15%
- AO4: Practical performance and evaluation – 40%
Grading and Entry
- Awarded 9–1
- All components taken in the same exam series
- NEA scores may be carried forward
- Total qualification time: 140 hours:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Physical Education (PE) isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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