← Physical Education syllabus

EnglandPhysical Education

Physical training (Component 01)

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the different components of fitness, and why does each sport need a different mix?

The components of physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, strength, speed, power, flexibility, agility, balance, coordination and reaction time), their definitions, and their importance to performance in different sports.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on the components of fitness: the definitions of cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, strength, speed, power, flexibility, agility, balance, coordination and reaction time, and how each is important to performance in named sports.
10 min answer →

How do we measure each component of fitness, and what do the results tell a coach?

The reasons for fitness testing, the recognised tests for each component of fitness, how to carry them out, and how to interpret the data against normative tables, including the limitations of testing.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on fitness testing: why we test, the recognised test for each component of fitness (Cooper run, multi-stage fitness test, sit and reach, Illinois agility, vertical jump, grip dynamometer and others), how to interpret results against normative data, and the limitations of testing.
10 min answer →

What are the different methods of training, and which one develops each component of fitness?

The methods of training (continuous, fartlek, interval, circuit, weight, plyometric and high-intensity interval training), how each is carried out, the components of fitness they develop, and their advantages and disadvantages for different performers.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on the methods of training: continuous, fartlek, interval, circuit, weight, plyometric and high-intensity interval training, how each is carried out, the components of fitness they develop, and the advantages and disadvantages of each for different performers.
11 min answer →

How can a performer reduce the risk of injury, and what should they do if one happens?

How to minimise the risk of injury (correct technique, appropriate clothing and equipment, warming up, appropriate intensity and adherence to rules), common sporting injuries, and the use of personal protective equipment in physical activity and sport.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on preventing injury: the ways to minimise injury risk (technique, equipment, warming up, appropriate intensity, rules and screening), common sporting injuries, the role of personal protective equipment, and how overuse and acute injuries differ.
9 min answer →

What principles make a training programme effective, and how do you set the right intensity?

The principles of training (specificity, progressive overload, reversibility, tedium), the FITT principle, overload and training thresholds, and the calculation of training intensity using maximum heart rate and the one-rep maximum.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on the principles of training: specificity, progressive overload, reversibility and tedium, the FITT principle, overload and aerobic and anaerobic training thresholds, and calculating training intensity from maximum heart rate and the one-rep maximum.
11 min answer →

Why do performers warm up before and cool down after exercise, and what does each phase do?

The purpose and phases of a warm-up, the physical and psychological benefits of warming up, the purpose and benefits of a cool-down, and how each prepares the body for and recovers it from exercise.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE PE Component 01 on warming up and cooling down: the phases and physical and psychological benefits of a warm-up, the purpose and benefits of a cool-down (including removing lactic acid and reducing stiffness), and how they prepare for and aid recovery from exercise.
9 min answer →