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OCR Level 2 Sport and Physical Activity (Cambridge Nationals) Past Papers

Free OCR Level 2 Sport and Physical Activity (Cambridge Nationals) past papers. Physical activity, health and wellbeing, physical preparation and readiness. 27 resources.

📅Multiple series📄21 resources available✅Free to download
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21 of 21 resources

January 2023

4 files
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Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Mark Scheme
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📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Examiner Report
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📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Examiner Report
Download
✅

Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Mark Scheme
Download

June 2023

4 files
✅

Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Mark Scheme
Download
✅

Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Mark Scheme
Download
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Examiner Report
Download
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Examiner Report
Download

January 2022

3 files
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Examiner Report
Download
✅

Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Mark Scheme
Download
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Examiner Report
Download

June 2022

3 files
✅

Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Mark Scheme
Download
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Examiner Report
Download
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Examiner Report
Download

January 2021

2 files
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Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Examiner Report
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✅

Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Mark Scheme
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January 2020

3 files
✅

Sport and Physical Activity – Mark scheme – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Mark Scheme
Download
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Examiner Report
Download
📊

Sport and Physical Activity – Examiners’ report – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Examiner Report
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No date

2 files
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Sport and Physical Activity – Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Sample Assessment Materials
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Sport and Physical Activity – Physical preparation and readiness for sport and physical activity

Sample Assessment Materials
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Health, Fitness, and Preparation: OCR Level 2 Cambridge Nationals in Sport and Physical Activity

OCR Level 2 Cambridge Nationals in Sport and Physical Activity introduces students to the science of fitness, health, and physical preparation at GCSE-equivalent level. It is designed for students who are interested in sport, fitness, and health, and who want a vocational qualification that recognises practical knowledge alongside academic understanding. The Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing examined unit covers the relationship between physical activity and health outcomes: the physical health benefits of regular exercise (cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition), the mental health benefits (reduced anxiety and depression, improved mood, better sleep quality), government guidelines for physical activity (150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous per week for adults; 60 minutes daily for children), barriers to participation (cost, time, access, motivation, cultural factors), and strategies to overcome them. The Physical Preparation and Readiness for Sport and Physical Activity examined unit covers the components of fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition, speed, power, agility, balance, coordination, reaction time), fitness testing protocols for each component (beep test, grip dynamometer, sit-and-reach, Illinois agility test, vertical jump), and the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) for programme design. It also covers warm-up and cool-down principles, injury prevention, and basic nutrition for sport performance. This qualification provides a foundation for Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Sport and Physical Activity and BTEC Sport qualifications.

Exam Paper Structure

Physical Activity, Health and WellbeingNo calculator

Health and participation examined unit

⏱ Varies🎯 Varies marks📊 Varies% of grade
Physical and mental health benefits of exerciseGovernment physical activity guidelinesBarriers to participation and strategies to overcome themLong-term health conditions and physical activity
Physical Preparation and Readiness for Sport and Physical ActivityCalculator ✓

Fitness components and training examined unit

⏱ Varies🎯 Varies marks📊 Varies% of grade
Components of fitness: health-related and skill-relatedFitness testing protocols and normative dataFITT principle and programme designWarm-up, cool-down, and injury prevention

Key Information

Exam BoardOCR
Specification CodeCambridge Nationals Level 2 in Sport and Physical Activity
QualificationLevel 2
Grading ScalePass / Merit / Distinction
Assessment TypeExternally examined units + internally assessed practical units
TiersNo tiers
Number Of Papers2 examined units
Exam DurationVaries
Total MarksVaries
Calculator StatusCalculator allowed
Available SessionsMultiple series
Total Resources27

Key Topics in Sport and Physical Activity

Topics you need to know

Health benefits of exercise: cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility, mental healthGovernment physical activity guidelines for different age groupsBarriers to participation: cost, access, time, motivation, cultural factorsComponents of fitness: cardiovascular endurance, strength, endurance, flexibility, speedFitness testing: bleep test, grip dynamometer, sit-and-reach, Illinois agility testFITT principle: frequency, intensity, time, type of trainingPrinciples of training: overload, progression, specificity, reversibilityNutrition for sport: macronutrients, hydration, timing, ergogenic aids

Exam Command Words

Command wordWhat the examiner expects
IdentifyName a fitness component, test, training principle, or health benefit from a scenario
DescribeGive a detailed account of a fitness test protocol, training method, or health benefit
ExplainGive physiological or psychological reasons for a fitness outcome or health benefit
EvaluateAssess the suitability of a fitness test, training programme, or activity for a specific individual
DesignProduce a structured training programme applying the FITT principle to a given individual and goal

Typical Grade Boundaries

GradeApproximate mark needed
Distinction65–100%
Merit50–64%
Pass35–49%

⚠️ Typical OCR Level 2 Cambridge Nationals grade boundaries. Pass/Merit/Distinction awarded per unit.

Health Benefits of Exercise, Fitness Testing, and FITT Programme Design

Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing questions often present a fictional individual (sedentary office worker, elderly person, overweight teenager) and ask you to explain the specific benefits of physical activity for that person. Link the benefit directly to the individual's situation: 'Regular aerobic exercise would improve [person's name]'s cardiovascular endurance by increasing stroke volume and decreasing resting heart rate, reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease' is better than 'exercise improves heart health'. Fitness testing questions require knowing the specific protocol, what fitness component each test measures, and why that component is relevant to specific sports. The multi-stage fitness test (bleep test) measures cardiovascular endurance — relevant for distance runners and footballers. The grip strength dynamometer measures muscular strength — relevant for gymnasts and combat sports. The sit-and-reach test measures hamstring and lower back flexibility — relevant for dancers and gymnasts. Be ready to explain limitations of each test (examiner subjectivity, individual motivation, environmental conditions, practice effect). For FITT programme design, every training recommendation must specify all four elements: Frequency (how often — e.g., 3 times per week), Intensity (how hard — e.g., 60–70% maximum heart rate), Time (how long — e.g., 30–45 minutes per session), and Type (what activity — e.g., continuous cycling). Justify each element in relation to the individual's fitness level and goal. The principle of progressive overload is essential — the training stimulus must increase over time to produce continued adaptation.

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