A-Level Physics

What will I be learning? 

You will complete 6 modules as part of the OCR Physics A course. This will include   

  • Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
  • Module 2: Foundations in physics
  • Module 3: Forces and motion
  • Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons
  • Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics
  • Module 6: Particles and medical physics

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed at the end of the two years and the table below provides an overview of the format and what is included.

Paper Modules No. of Marks Time % of total A-Level
Modelling Physics
 (01)
1, 2, 3, 5 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper 37%
Exploring Physics
 (02)
1, 2, 4, 6 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper 37%
Unified Physics (03) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 26%

You are also required to complete the Practical Endorsement (04) which consists of practical work and is judged as a Pass or Fail. This does not count towards your final grade but the content is examined in all papers.

Independent study opportunities

Independent work is essential and you will be guided to resources that will help with this. This includes access to online resources such as Kerboodle and Physics Review. You will also have access to textbooks both hard copies as well as online versions.

What resources do I need? 

You will be provided with resources needed for theory and practical lessons.

What careers could this lead on to? 

Academic researcher, Patent attorney, Education, Software engineer, Medicine, Actuary, Acoustic consultant, Engineering, Dentistry, Astronomer,  Sound engineer, Analytical chemist

What grades do I need for this course? 

A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Physics or grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science. A grade 6 in Mathematics is also highly recommended.