Physical Education – updates to our EAPI for AS and A Level

Jon Varey, Physical Education and Sport Subject Advisor

In this blog I’ve summarised the new and positive changes that were recently made to the EAPI task for summer 2022 and beyond. I’ve also included some insight to the key modifications, and what’s great about them for students and teachers.

What’s different?

A small number of changes have been made to the EAPI, all of which have been carried out specifically to support students and teachers, making the process easier to understand and manage. The extra guidance will help all students to focus on what is required, and hopefully help them to excel.

Assessment grid

The updated assessment grid has been revised to make it even easier for teachers to use, as it better reflects the core aspects.

It is no longer necessary to cover ‘focus of sessions’, ‘adaptations’ and ‘measuring improvement’ separately. Students can still address these within their action plans if they wish, but it isn’t a necessary requirement any more. The update helps streamline the whole process and supports the feedback from teachers who stated that this should ‘give focus to the development plan’.

More detail has been added about the requirements for ‘justification’ and ‘timescales’ and perhaps the most useful change – you will now have a list of prescribed specification content areas from which the theory must be drawn.

This update is available as an appendix in the updated Guide to NEA found on the qualifications page of our website. This document provides you with clear direction and help for student focus during the EAPI.

Candidates’ note sheet

We now have an OCR-produced candidate note sheet which can be used by the student when observing their performance. This update will also help students massively, by giving a well-defined structure in which to frame their responses. 

One teacher offered their feedback, ‘it helps guide them and stops unnecessary waffle’. This extra little bit of support will really benefit busy teachers especially during the exam season. Students still have the option to use a blank sheet, but without doubt the new note sheet will be a real benefit. 

Maximum time

Another welcome update to help maintain focus is that we now have a maximum time limit of 20 minutes for AS Level and 30 minutes for A Level. The aim here is that this will encourage students to be focussed and concise in their response to the performance. 

Teacher feedback was that ‘I have listened to EAPIs go on for 45mins-over an hour! Top level can be achieved within 30 minutes so this will ensure candidates responses are well structured and to the point!’

I also believe that this welcome addition should prevent candidates from repeating themselves, or trying to shoehorn in parts of the theory which very often then isn’t applied. 

All the changes outlined in my blog will help students to complete this task successfully within the allocated time limits. 

It’s important to note that the time limit is for the response only, and will not include the time taken to view the performance and teacher introduction. What is also not included in the limit is that all important time that is taken for the student to compose themselves before beginning with their response.

Also, if you have a candidate with special requirements who may be granted additional time for assessments, please contact our special requirements team at srteam@ocr.org.uk.

Summary

These small changes should have a big impact leading to more clarity, giving more support and greater structure to the EAPI. Ultimately with the hope of securing better outcomes for all.

You can find further information about these changes and the updated Guide to Non-exam Assessment (NEA) in our recent subject information update.

Stay connected

If you have any questions, you can email us at pe@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or Tweet us @OCR_PhysEd. You can also sign up to subject updates and receive information about resources and support or browse our range of upcoming courses and events.

About the author

Jon joined OCR as a PE and sport subject advisor in September 2021 having taught in a variety of secondary schools across the country for over 20 years gaining a wealth of experience and subject knowledge. During this time, he has set up, delivered, and assessed a wide range of courses within physical education and sport. In his spare time, he is a keen runner and enthusiastic mountain biker, enjoys attending sporting and music events when possible and walking his two whippets.