Updated mathematical skills handbook
21 January 2026
Following feedback from teachers, we have updated the mathematical skills handbook for:
- AS and A Level Physics A – H156/H556
- AS and A Level Physics B (Advancing Physics) – H157/H557.
To improve clarity for students and teachers, we have made the following amendments:
- section M1.5 on pages 18–19 onwards – we've rewritten and added further guidance around the use of uncertainties
- section M0.3 on page 10 – we’ve added a statement that students should evaluate their work to give a decimal answer, unless the question indicates otherwise
- section M1.1 on page 14 – we've clarified ‘show that’ questions; students may need to demonstrate approximations by showing at least one more significant figure in the answer than that given in the question.
Please note: these updates do not change the previous approach and are intended to improve the clarity and detail of guidance only.
You can view and download the updated AS and A Level Physics mathematical skills handbook (version 1.2) from the:
- Planning and teaching > Handbooks section of the Physics A and Physics B qualification pages on our website
- Positive about Practical page on our website
- Teaching > Teaching delivery > Delivery core skills section on Teach Cambridge.
If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email science@ocr.org.uk.
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