OCR A-level PE uses a very different structure for the extended writing compared to AQA and Edexcel (posts to follow in the coming weeks). In fact, OCR A-level has, by far, the least extended writing on their papers compared to those other two courses:
Exam board for A-level PE | Extended writing marks available per Exam Paper as of Summer 2024 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 | Total | % of overall exam marks | |
AQA | 69 | 69 | N/A | 138 | 66% |
Edexcel | 70 | 60 | N/A | 130 | 54% |
OCR | 20 | 10 | 10 | 40 | 19% |
So, this is interesting. It would appear that extended writing on OCR A-level PE is far less important than on the other two offers. So, why am I doing this post before the other two? Simple: OCR A-level PE is the most popular course nationally for A-level PE and I want to get the biggest impact on the most people. Therefore, I am writing about OCR today and then AQA and Edexcel A-level PE in subsequent weeks.
OCR A-level PE extended writing pieces are, technically, synoptic:
Paper 1 | 20 marks |
A&P and Exercise Physiology Or… A&P and Biomechanics Or… Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics |
Paper 2 | 10 marks | Skill Acquisition and Sport Psychology |
Paper 3 | 10 marks | Sport in Society and Contemporary Issues |
In other words, every OCR A-level PE extended writing piece contains an element from two sections of the course.
Here are the examples my team and I wrote for the 2025 National Mock Exams:
Paper 1:
Paper 2:
Paper 3:
In each case, there are two elements to a question, each coming from a different section of the theory specification.
The download that follows is a document designed to help you (the teacher) and your students improve understanding of how to go about writing extended answers for OCR A-level PE. Please download it and use it as you wish with your groups.
Enjoy!!
James