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Years 9-11

Sports Science

Sports Science gives students a deep understanding of how the human body works during physical activity, how performance can be improved, and how to maintain long-term health and wellbeing. The subject blends scientific theory, practical application, and real-world problem solving, preparing learners for future study in PE, sports coaching, physiotherapy, fitness, and health sciences. 

Through the OCR Cambridge National Sports Science course, students develop: 

  • Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics 

  • Skills in training design and performance analysis 

  • Understanding of sports injuries and safe participation 

  • Confidence in applying scientific principles to sport 

The course is ideal for students who enjoy both the science behind sport and the practical elements of physical performance. 

In years 10 and 11 students follow the OCR Cambridge National Level 1/2 in Sports Science. The qualification is made up of a combination of examined and coursework units. Each unit includes applied tasks, scientific concepts, and opportunities to link theory to real sporting contexts. 

Year 10

Students typically have three lessons per week, combining theory, practical investigation, and coursework preparation. 

Unit: Applying Principles of Training 

Learners explore: 

  • Components of fitness 

  • Principles of training (FITT, overload, specificity, progression) 

  • Methods of training (interval, continuous, resistance, plyometrics, etc.) 

  • Designing and evaluating training programmes 

Students complete a personal training plan and analyse its effectiveness. 

Unit: Reducing the Risk of Sports Injuries 

Students learn: 

  • How to prepare safely for sport 

  • Warmup and cooldown principles 

  • Environmental and equipment related risks 

  • Injury prevention strategies 

  • Responding to common injuries 

This unit provides a strong foundation for safe participation in all physical activity. 

Students continue with coursework completion and practical investigations linked to training methods and fitness development. 

Year 11

Unit: Sports Nutrition 

Learners examine: 

  • Macronutrients and micronutrients 

  • Energy balance and hydration 

  • Diet planning for different sports 

  • The impact of nutrition on performance 

Students produce a nutrition plan tailored to a chosen athlete or sport. 

Summer Term 

Revision, exam preparation, and final coursework submission. 

Assessment 

The OCR Sports Science qualification includes a mix of examined and internally assessed coursework units: 

Component 

Assessment Type 

Weighting 

Reducing the Risk of Sports Injuries 

Written Exam 

20% 

Applying Principles of Training 

Coursework 

40% 

Sports Nutrition 

Coursework 

40% 

Students are assessed through written tasks, practical investigations, training plans, and applied scientific explanations. 

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