Assessment overview
Content is in six modules:
- Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
- Module 2: Fundamental data analysis
- Module 3: Physics in action
- Module 4: Understanding processes
- Module 5: Rise and fall of the clockwork universe
- Module 6: Field and particle
Component | Marks | Duration | Weighting | insert text |
Fundamentals of physics (01) | 110 | 2 hours 15 mins | 41% | Assesses content from all modules |
Scientific literacy in physics (02) | 100 | 2 hours 15 mins | 37% | Assesses content from all modules |
Practical skills in physics (03) | 60 | 1 hour 30 mins | 22% | Assesses content from all modules |
Practical endorsement in physics (04) | - | - | - | Non-exam assessment |
All components include synoptic assessment.
Students must complete all components (01, 02, 03, and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Physics B (Advancing Physics).
Content overview
The six modules are each divided into key topics:
Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
- Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2: Fundamental data analysis
Module 3: Physics in action
- Imaging and signalling
- Sensing
- Mechanical properties of materials
Module 4: Understanding processes
- Waves and quantum behaviour
- Space, time and motion
Module 5: Rise and fall of the clockwork universe
- Creating models
- Out into space
- Our place in the universe
- Matter: very simple
- Matter: hot and cold
Module 6: Field and particle
- Electromagnetism
- Charge and field
- Probing deep into matter
- Ionising radiation and risk
Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement (component 04). Activities that could count towards the practical endorsement are indicated in the specification.