GCSE (9–1) PHYSICAL EDUCATION — May 2025 PAST PAPER: Physical Factors Affecting
Performance Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J587/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physical Education Physical Factors Affecting Performance
Paper (OCR J587/01) provides a fully merged resource combining the complete
examination paper with its official mark scheme. This integrated format allows learners to
see how each question is assessed, clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the
criteria required for high-band responses. This component assesses students’
understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other physical factors that
influence performance in sport and exercise. Candidates are expected to demonstrate
knowledge of body systems, fitness components, energy use, movement analysis, and
how physical preparation impacts performance. The paper also evaluates the ability to
apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts and analyse performance outcomes. By
pairing each question with detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical,
evaluative, and applied knowledge skills. It supports structured, precise responses,
improves understanding of physical performance concepts, and provides targeted revision
for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physical Education (Physical Factors Affecting
Performance) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
1 The images show the three planes of movement.
A B C
(a) Name the correct plane of movement for A, B and C.
A .......................................................................................................................................................
B .......................................................................................................................................................
C .......................................................................................................................................................
[3]
(b) State if movement is through plane A, B or C for each of the following sporting examples:
A gymnast performing a cartwheel ...................................................................................................
The running action of a sprinter’s legs .............................................................................................
[2]
© OCR 2025
, 3
2 Define the term circumduction.
Give a practical example of this movement.
Definition ..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
Practical example .............................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
3 Name the acid produced in the working muscles during anaerobic exercise.
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
4 What type of circulatory system is the heart at the centre of?
Tick (✓) one box next to the correct answer.
double-circulatory system
quadruple-circulatory system
single-circulatory system
triple-circulatory system
[1]
5 Use a practical example from swimming to show the importance of a fast reaction time.
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 Litter, lack of supervision and overcrowding are examples of hazards in a fitness centre.
Identify one other hazard in a fitness centre.
Explain how this hazard can cause injury during a sporting activity. Example
of hazard:
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
How this hazard can cause injury:
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
7 State the role of red blood cells.
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
8 Complete the two statements using words from the list
below. clavicle gastrocnemius quadriceps
scapula sternum ulna
(a) Articulating bones at the shoulder joint are the humerus and..................................................................... [1]
(b) Muscles found at the back of the leg are the hamstrings and ....................................................... [1]
© OCR 2025
Performance Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J587/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Physical Education Physical Factors Affecting Performance
Paper (OCR J587/01) provides a fully merged resource combining the complete
examination paper with its official mark scheme. This integrated format allows learners to
see how each question is assessed, clarifying examiner expectations and highlighting the
criteria required for high-band responses. This component assesses students’
understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other physical factors that
influence performance in sport and exercise. Candidates are expected to demonstrate
knowledge of body systems, fitness components, energy use, movement analysis, and
how physical preparation impacts performance. The paper also evaluates the ability to
apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts and analyse performance outcomes. By
pairing each question with detailed marking guidance, the resource strengthens analytical,
evaluative, and applied knowledge skills. It supports structured, precise responses,
improves understanding of physical performance concepts, and provides targeted revision
for the 2026 OCR GCSE Physical Education (Physical Factors Affecting
Performance) examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
1 The images show the three planes of movement.
A B C
(a) Name the correct plane of movement for A, B and C.
A .......................................................................................................................................................
B .......................................................................................................................................................
C .......................................................................................................................................................
[3]
(b) State if movement is through plane A, B or C for each of the following sporting examples:
A gymnast performing a cartwheel ...................................................................................................
The running action of a sprinter’s legs .............................................................................................
[2]
© OCR 2025
, 3
2 Define the term circumduction.
Give a practical example of this movement.
Definition ..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
Practical example .............................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
3 Name the acid produced in the working muscles during anaerobic exercise.
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
4 What type of circulatory system is the heart at the centre of?
Tick (✓) one box next to the correct answer.
double-circulatory system
quadruple-circulatory system
single-circulatory system
triple-circulatory system
[1]
5 Use a practical example from swimming to show the importance of a fast reaction time.
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
6 Litter, lack of supervision and overcrowding are examples of hazards in a fitness centre.
Identify one other hazard in a fitness centre.
Explain how this hazard can cause injury during a sporting activity. Example
of hazard:
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
How this hazard can cause injury:
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
[2]
7 State the role of red blood cells.
. ............................................................................................................................................................................................. [1]
8 Complete the two statements using words from the list
below. clavicle gastrocnemius quadriceps
scapula sternum ulna
(a) Articulating bones at the shoulder joint are the humerus and..................................................................... [1]
(b) Muscles found at the back of the leg are the hamstrings and ....................................................... [1]
© OCR 2025
