OCR A-Level PE: Aiming for A/A*

Course Code: T0315 £289.00

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This high-level course is designed to support teachers in guiding their most capable students towards achieving A/A* grades in OCR A-Level PE. The course will provide expert insights into what differentiates top-performing students, highlight key areas where students can gain extra marks, and offer advanced strategies for refining exam technique, analytical skills, and coursework. Through a focus on high-level responses and deep subject understanding, you will explore ways to stretch and challenge students to reach their full potential. 

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

  • Gain a clear understanding of what separates A/A* responses from lower-grade answers
  • Identify the key skills and knowledge required for top-band marks in all assessment areas
  • Develop strategies to improve student responses to extended and synoptic questions
  • Enhance students' ability to apply knowledge critically and analytically
  • Learn effective methods for refining NEA performance

PROGRAMME

10.00am: Understanding the Requirements for A/A*
  • What defines an A/A* student in OCR A-Level PE?
  • Key characteristics of high-level responses in exam questions
  • Understanding examiner expectations for top-band marks
  • Developing a targeted approach to help students exceed standard responses
10.45am: Break
11.00am: Maximising Performance in Scientific and Data-Based Questions
  • Common challenges for high-achieving students in biomechanics and physiology
  • Using scientific knowledge to justify and evaluate sporting performance
  • Strengthening students’ ability to interpret, analyse, and apply data
  • Advanced strategies for precision and clarity in responses
11.30am: Mastering Extended and Synoptic Questions
  • How top students structure responses to meet AO1, AO2, and AO3 criteria
  • Embedding critical thinking and evaluation into answers
  • Strategies for integrating synoptic links effectively
  • Developing depth, precision, and fluency in written responses
12.15pm: Lunch
1.15pm: NEA Spotlight – Perfecting Performance in the NEA
  • Understanding OCR assessment criteria for A/A* coursework
  • Refining students’ ability to analyse and evaluate performance effectively
  • Producing high-quality coursework that meets the highest standards
  • How to produce high quality practical evidence to maximise performance grades
2.00pm: Break
2.15pm: NEA Spotlight – Observation of Level 5 and level 6 answers
  • Observe and live assessment of top-level answers for the different sections of the NEA
  3.00pm: Moving Forward – Supporting High Achievers Towards A/A*
  • Embedding high order thinking skills throughout the course
  • Encouraging independent learning and academic resilience
  • Effective exam preparation techniques for top-performing students
  • Practical takeaways and action planning to push students towards A/A*
3.30pm: Depart  
A-Level - Code: T0315

OCR A-Level PE: Aiming for A/A*

COURSE LEADERS

Kate McDonnell has worked as a Head of PE for over 10 years in an Outstanding college. She is an experienced leader, overseeing a large Science and Sport curriculum area which achieves consistently outstanding results. Kate has achieved consistently outstanding results with her cohorts in A Level PE (ALPS 2, VA 1.18), and in 2024 her cohort achieved 100% A*-B grades. She also works as an examiner for OCR, and previously AQA, has authored several resources, and delivered revision conferences for students, and CPD courses for teachers nationwide.

As a practitioner, delivering the course every year to cohorts of students, Kate not only understands the A Level course and how to maximise learner outcomes, but can provide tangible, and realistic strategies to achieve this.

 

Abbie is an A level PE specialist with18 years teaching experience achieving excellent outcomes. Within this time Abbie has also examined a range of PE courses at both GCSE and A level. As a full time, education consultant and A level specialist Abbie delivers across all aspects of the PE course and particularly enjoys supporting both students and teachers with challenging areas of the specification such as how to tackle the coursework components and topics such as biomechanics, helping to make the content accessible to all learners.  Alongside her role as director of A Level Revision UK, Abbie tutors a select number of students each year consistently receiving 5* reviews.

 

 

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Course Brochure