Listen as subject advisors Jon Varey and Kate Thompson answer the latest frequently asked questions from teachers about planning, delivering and assessing our GCSE and A Level PE qualifications. Have a question you'd like answered? Send an email with your question to pe@ocr.org.uk.

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Listen as subject advisors Jon Varey and Kate Thompson answer the latest frequently asked questions from teachers about planning, delivering and assessing our Cambridge Nationals in Sport Science and Sport Studies. Have a question you'd like answered? Send an email with your question to pe@ocr.org.uk.

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After a long summer break, students will soon be heading back to school and college. Listen as Lucy Carey, Cambridge OCR Stakeholder Relationships Manager chats with Mabel, who's starting at a new college in September. Mabel shares how she's preparing for her exciting new course and getting ready to settle back into a study routine after the holidays. If you have exams or assessments coming up next year, Mabel also offers her top tips for finding study/revision resources. Don't miss out on these top tips!

During the episode, Lucy explained how here at Cambridge OCR we're committed to listening to students' feedback and ideas, to make sure the exam and assessment experience is the best it can be for all students. Discover how we're listening to your voice, and how we'll use it to improve the experience for all students, in our brand new Student Charter: https://teach.ocr.org.uk/hubfs/.OCR/Campaigns/Back%20to%20school/OMD10913-Student-Charter-Document-A4-O.pdf

We'll keep up to date on our Student Voice progress on our Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeocr/

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Listen as Christine Özden, global director for climate education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, talks to Jodie Bailey-Ho, a student of environmental sciences at the University of Manchester and champion of climate education. For the last three years, Jodie has been volunteering at the crossroads of climate, youth, and education. She is the co-founder of Teach the Teacher, a project which gives students the opportunity to swap places with their teachers to deliver a workshop on climate change. Together, Christine and Jodie explore the question of who is responsible for shaping and delivering climate education to young people.

Keep up to date with the latest GCSE Natural History news on our dedicated webpage.

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Get ready to be inspired for Pride Month, as Sociology Subject Advisor chats with two teachers from Nelson & Colne College. Our guests shared the fantastic Pride Month activities and initiatives happening in College, and ways you can get your school or college involved. We also discussed diversifying the curriculum, including our own EDIB activities here at OCR, and how schools or colleges can enhance their support for LGBTQ+ staff or students. You can also read our blog which suggests some engaging teaching ideas during Pride Month.

Discover more:

OCR A Level Sociology

Stonewall

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Get ready to dive into a conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered! Listen as hosts Sarah and Anthony sit down with the talented and accomplished author and journalist, David Adam, to discuss his personal journey with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). You'll gain valuable insights into how OCD can impact on everyday life and the importance of seeking help for mental health problems. You'll also pick up some tips that will help students who are feeling anxious about upcoming exams.

Resources and support:

David Adam's website

David Adam's Sunday Times Bestseller: The Man Who Couldn't Stop: The Truth About OCD

David Adam keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual OCD Conference: watch on YouTube

OCD UK's website

OCD Action's website

Orchard's website

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Get ready to dive into a crucial conversation about mental health! This year's Mental Health Awareness Week (15–21 May) theme is anxiety, and to raise awareness, we bring you an insightful chat with our guests who have been managing anxiety for years. In an enlightening discussion, our Subject Advisors Rebecca and Kate sit down with two former students, Poppy and Beth, who share their personal experiences of coping with anxiety, along with the invaluable help and support they received along the way. Not only that, but they also offer advice to all students who are preparing for exams or facing their next steps and may be feeling anxious or stressed.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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Listen as Emily Hunt, Warwickshire's Young Poet Laureate and young nature enthusiast, presents her Green Gallery Project to an OCR Natural History GCSE Strategic Advisory Board meeting. Emily also shared the research carried out as part of the project, which found that young people are interested in nature and are keen to learn more about the natural world. Emily suggested ways to engage and educate young people, such as embedding natural history in the curriculum and getting them involved in community projects alongside local/national organisations. There was also a Q&A session after Emily's presentation.

Discover more about Emily on her website.

Catch up on our recent Natural History podcast episode, where our Chief Executive answered questions from teachers, parents and students.

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In this episode of the OCR Podcast, we went international! Sport Subject Advisors Kate Thompson and Jon Varey were joined by their guest Jenny King from Bloemhof School in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Jenny is the school's head of sport and high performance and a former Springbok player turned coach.

We discussed the UK's and South Africa's differences in high performance, supporting students/players with physical rehabilitation their mental health, encouraging students' individual performance, setting team goals and more. We hope you enjoy this episode and take some inspiration from colleagues in the southern hemisphere.

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What is student wellbeing, and what impact does it have on students' abilities in and out of the classroom?

In this episode, Health & Social Care and Child Development Subject Advisor Rebecca Simcox catches up with two teachers from King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls. Erica Reeves is Assistant Headteacher: Pupil Support and Wellbeing and the school's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Jade Hall is a health and social care teacher.

Erica and Jade discussed their school's approach to mental health and wellbeing, how they support students who may be struggling, tips and advice for parents/carers for supporting young people, building resilience and much more.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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Listen as OCR Chief Executive, Jill Duffy, answers questions from students and teachers about our exciting plans to develop a new GCSE in Natural History, how it'll be taught and future progression in this field. Keep up to date with the latest Natural History news via our dedicated Natural History Hub.

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Listen as OCR Sport Subject Advisors Kate Thompson and Mark Johnson chat with Dr Chris McLeod, a chartered psychologist with an expertise in eating behaviour and public health from Loughborough University. They discussed the effects of diet and nutrition on recovery after sport; the importance of following an eating routine; the pros and cons of energy drinks and nutritional supplements; schools' role in supporting children's diet and much more.

Here's one of many fun facts from this episode...did you know that what a pregnant mother eats can affect her child's food preference months after birth? Listen on for more interesting facts!

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Listen as subject advisors Jon Varey and Kate Thompson answer teachers' frequently asked questions about planning, delivering and assessing our Cambridge Nationals in Sport Science and Sport Studies. Have a question you'd like answered? Send an email with your question to pe@ocr.org.uk and we'll answer it in our next podcast episode.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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In part 2 of our SEND in schools and colleges podcast, Health & Social Care and Child Development Subject Advisor Sarah Millington continues the discussion with Emma Winstanley and Dr Nicholas Grigsby, from Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe, Lancashire. They discussed identifying students with additional needs, ways to support students with SEND in the classroom (including using resources effectively) and ways parents and carers can support students at home. Listen to part 1 of our SEND podcast here.

Download the episode's transcript.

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Listen as OCR Communications Manager Anthony Day catches up again with Sixth Form student Francesca, to discuss her experience of applying to university and apprenticeships and getting the most out of university open days. They also discussed settling back into a healthy routine after the holidays and how to boost your mental health. Now approaching the end of her time at college, Francesca shared some great tips for students planning to apply to university or other pathways!

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Listen as Ruth Carter, OCR's Stakeholder Relationship Manager catches up with OCR Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Advisory Board member Taahira Khan, a teacher at King Edward the Sixth Five Ways school and EDIB lead at King Edward VI Foundation. Also joining Ruth is Simran, one of Taahira's students. During the episode, they discussed EDIB initiatives in school, tips for other schools/colleges looking to develop an EDIB strategy, how exam boards can better support and resource this area and more.

Download the episode's transcript.

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Guests Emma Winstanley and Dr Nicholas Grigsby, from Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe, Lancashire, joined OCR Health & Social Care and Child Development Subject Advisor Rebecca Simcox for part 1 of our SEND-themed episode. Our guests discussed the different areas and types of SEND, the process for diagnosing a person with a condition, EHCPs and how parents and carers can access appropriate support and choose the right school or college for their child. Please remember to share this episode with your colleagues, parents/carers and keep an eye out for part 2 where our guests discussed the ways schools/colleges can support students, their parents, and each other, in and out of the classroom - coming soon.

Download the episode's transcript.

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For Black History Month, OCR Sociology Subject Advisor, Tom Genillard, talked to two Black teachers about what Black History Month means to them and their experiences as Black teachers in the UK. Our guests also shared tips and advice for teachers and students on creating a diverse, inclusive community in the classroom and overcoming challenges.

Our guests:

Youlande Harrowell is the Assistant Headteacher of the Urswick School in London, and the Co-Chair of the OCR Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Advisory Board.

Ruth Laslett is the Head of Visual and Performing Arts at Long Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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Welcome back to school and college. We hope you all had a lovely summer break. In this episode of the OCR Exams podcast, Subject Advisor for Health and Social Care, Sarah Ash, joined host and OCR Communications Manager, Anthony Day, to discuss settling back in and preparing for the academic year ahead. We covered professional development, teacher networks, where to find information about teaching and assessing our qualifications, key dates and more on our website. Whether you're new to teaching OCR or a returning teacher, this podcast offers a handy summary of all the support and resources available. Top tip from this episode: sign up for subject-specific emails and updates on our website.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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Working with The Student Room, Mike Forster from the Research and Technical Standards Team answers students’ top questions about grade boundaries.

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June is Pride Month; a time to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ communities and rights. In this podcast, Anthony welcomed teachers Jayleigh Mathyi and Adam Duce. We chatted about the Pride Month activities they’ve got going on in school/college, some ways to support students or teachers who are coming out or struggling, and ideas to diversify the curriculum to better represent those who identify as LGBTQ+. Links to organisations/resources below:

The Outside Project: https://lgbtiqoutside.org/

Split Banana: https://splitbanana.co.uk/

Diverse Educators: https://www.diverseeducators.co.uk/

Just Like Us: https://www.justlikeus.org/

Outline: https://outlinesurrey.org.uk/

Check out our Pride Month blogs:

Pride Month: celebrating LGBTQ scientists in GCSE Science

Supporting LGBT+ people to participate in sport

LGBTQI+ role models in computer science

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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In this episode, Francesca, a sixth form student from Cambridge, joined OCR Communications Manager, Anthony Day, to share her experience of preparing for exams. We discussed staying motivated during revision, preparing for exam day both physically and mentally, and the options she's considering for her future.

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In this episode, OCR health and social care subject advisor, Sarah Millington, is joined by a teacher and students from Sir John Leman Sixth Form, to discuss managing stress and anxiety, preparing for exams and plans for the future.

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Listen as subject advisors Jon Varey and Kate Thompson answer teachers' frequently asked questions about planning, delivering and assessing our GCSE and A Level in Physical Education. Have a question you'd like answered? Send an email with your question to pe@ocr.org.uk and we'll answer it in our next podcast episode.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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In this episode, Dr Susie Nyman, curriculum manager for health and social care at the Sixth Form College Farnborough, joined Anthony Day, OCR Communications Manager, to discuss the topic of preparing your students for exams. Susie discusses mindfulness and shared her students’ coping strategies for improving mental health and wellbeing.

She also talked about supporting students with SEND, using multisensory learning techniques in the classroom and during revision, and how to support your students on results day and beyond.

You can also read Susie's blog post on managing mental health and wellbeing.

Rossi Stone's 50 coping strategies pdf.

Susie is on Twitter as @DrSusieNyman.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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In this episode, Tanya Nicholas, teacher and adolescent wellbeing coach, joined Anthony Day, OCR Communications Manager, to discuss the topic of preparing for exams. Tanya offers practical tips on how to make a revision plan, take care of yourself and manage stress and anxiety that will be useful for students and their parents this year and beyond.

Students can check out our handy guide on preparing for exams.

Tanya can be found on Facebook and Instagram as @theclassroomcoachandmentor.

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Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to planning a sporting event such as running, cycling or triathlons? Or perhaps you’re considering going into sports and events management after school or college?

In this insightful episode, OCR Sport and Physical Education Subject Advisor, Kate Thompson, catches up with Dearbhla Cormacain, Senior Operations Manager at Human Race. In addition to Dearbhla sharing her story of how she got into events management, listen on as we discuss the planning and logistics behind events and share advice for those looking to get involved in volunteering at events; a fun and rewarding way to get an understanding of event planning and operations.

About Human Race:

Human Race is a UK-based mass participation sports events company. They organise running, cycling and triathlon style events across the country including The Dragon Ride, the Manchester marathon and half marathon and a series of triathlon events based at Eton Dorney Lake, just to name a few.

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Join host Tom Genillard, OCR's Sociology Subject Advisor and former teacher and his guest, Jack Lynch of Pop'n'Olly, a provider of LGBT+ educational resources, training and workshops for teachers, students, parents and carers. In this episode, we focus on supporting trans and non-binary students in schools and colleges. Jack also shares their personal story of coming out as trans and non-binary and shares practical steps for schools and colleges to become more inclusive environments.

Whether you're a teacher or senior leader, a student, parent/carer or an ally, we hope you enjoy this insightful episode. Discover more about LGBT+ History Month and how you can get involved.

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Listen as subject advisors Jon Varey and Kate Thompson answer teachers' frequently asked questions about planning, delivering and assessing our PE and sport general qualifications. Have a question you'd like answered? Send an email with your question to pe@ocr.org.uk and we'll answer it in our next podcast episode.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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Listen as subject advisors Jon Varey and Kate Thompson answer teachers' frequently asked questions about planning, delivering and assessing our PE and sport vocational qualifications. Have a question you'd like answered? Send an email with your question to pe@ocr.org.uk and we'll answer it in our next podcast episode.

Visit our website for support: www.ocr.org.uk

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Join us in this episode as we sit down with Pete Bignall, our Principal Moderator for A Level Physical Education. Together, we explore Pete's journey as a moderator, gain insights into the moderation process, and share tips and advice for schools and colleges implementing the OCR curriculum. Discover more on our website: https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physical-education-h155-h555-from-2016/

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Join former teachers (now Cambridge OCR subject advisors) Kate, Jon and Rebecca as they take a trip down memory lane. They share their own experiences of preparing for a new school/college year, managing work-life balance, student wellbeing, training, planning and everything in between! A must-listen for new or returning teachers. Don't forget to take advantage of our professional development and back to school tips. Discover more on our dedicated webpage: https://teach.ocr.org.uk/welcome-back-to-school-or-college-2025

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Kate and Jon, our sport and PE subject advisors, catch up with Jules Shaw, Principal Moderator for Sport Science.

In this episode of the OCR PE Podcast, John and Kate are joined by principal moderator Jules Shaw to unpack top tips for success in the Cambridge National in Sport Science. From tailoring training plans to specific clients, to making the most of technology and nutrition tasks, Jules shares practical insights and common pitfalls to avoid—perfect for teachers and students aiming for top marks.

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Join Kate Thompson, our Sports Subject Advisor, as she sits down with Harry Bambury and Justin Humphries, two sports lawyers from Mills & Reeve.

In this insightful episode, we explore the fascinating world of sports law. Harry and Justin share their personal journeys into the field, offer a behind-the-scenes look at their roles, and provide valuable advice for aspiring lawyers - including the different pathways into the profession.

Whether you're passionate about sports, interested in law or simply curious about how the two areas work together, this episode is a must-listen for students looking to turn their passions into a career.

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In our first religious studies-themed podcast, our Subject Advisor Richard Barrow catches up with Dr Benjamin Sachs-Cobbe, Senior Lecturer in philosophy at the University of St Andrews. Listen as they discuss the Ethics Cup; a tournament where secondary school students have the opportunity to debate on ethical issues of public concern. 

Discover more information about Dr Sachs-Cobbe and the Ethics Cup via the links below:

Dr Benjamin Sachs-Cobbe - School of Philos Anthro and Film Studies

The Ethics Cup – University of St Andrews Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs

Reading suggestions:

Frontiers of Justice — Harvard University Press

The Tyranny of Merit | Michael J. Sandel | 9780141991177 | Awesome Books

Justice Everywhere – a blog about philosophy in public affairs

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In our latest episode, we'll introduce you to content creator, social media consultant and former student Harvey Morton, who talks about his experiences at school, college, university, in business, and his journey to where he is now.

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Listen as Cambridge OCR Subject Advisor for Sport and Physical Education, Kate Thompson, chats with Mark Taylor, Principal Moderator for the GCSE AEP coursework. They take a deep dive into the assessment grid – Analysing and Evaluating Performance (AEP), and how teachers can best support students to succeed.

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Listen as Sports Subject Advisor Kate Thompson catches up with Jane Flemming, our Principal Moderator.

The episode covers the latest advice and guidance for teachers to support their students to progress throughout their course.

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