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Overview

Current specification for Physics A.

If you are already teaching Physics A you can compare current and revised specifications at a glance with our Guide to what has changed pdf document.

A Level Physics A has been developed for students who wish to continue with a study of Physics after GCSE. Some students may wish to follow a Physics course for only one year as an AS GCE, in order to broaden their curriculum. Others will continue their course for a further year extending their course to Advance GCE. Such a course will prepare students to progress into further education, to follow courses in Physics, Engineering, one of the other sciences or related subjects, or to enter employment where a knowledge of physics would be useful.

For assessment purposes, knowledge and understanding of key concepts are treated separately at AS; important links between different areas of physics are largely assessed synoptically at A2. While the teaching of practical skills may be integrated with the theoretical topics, they are assessed separately. This allows skills to be developed in a way suited to an individual centre.

Benefits to you and your learners of teaching this qualification

• This redeveloped specification is based on consultation with QCA, senior OCR Physics examiners and a number of existing OCR customers.
• The first unit at AS has been designed so that candidates can sit the exam for the first time in January of year 12. Similarly the first A2 unit has been designed so that candidates can sit the exam for the first time in January of year 13.
• This specification has less emphasis on recall and more on understanding and application.
• There are no longer optional units within this specification but we have carefully chosen the best features and integrated them within the new units.
• Assessment outcomes are clear.
• Throughout the specification suitable practical work is suggested and the aspects of How Science Works covered are signposted.

What units are available?

• Mechanics
• Electrons, Waves and Photons
• Practical Skills in Physics 1
• Newtonian World
• Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics
• Practical Skills in Physics 2

More detailed information about units can be found on the Units page.

How will this qualification be assessed?

The will be two written papers at both AS & A2 Level. There will be internal assessment of practical skills at both AS & A2 Level.

Internal assessment of practical skills is based on completing OCR set tasks. Each task is marked by the teacher using specific, OCR mark schemes.

Examination series are available every January & June.

First examination dates

AS

• First AS unit - January 2009
• All three AS units - June 2009

A2

• First A2 unit - January 2010
• All three A2 units - June 2010

Ask a question

Do you have a question that is not covered here or in our FAQs section and needs subject specialist knowledge? If so please email 14-19alevels@ocr.org.uk.