Specification - A-Levels Physics
OCR's A Level in Physics A
OCR's A Level in Physics A (H556) is designed to develop learners' interest in and enthusiasm for physics, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with physics.
1c. What are the key features of this specification?
Our Physics A specification is designed to inspire your learners. The course will develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with Physics.
Key features
| The specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Content-led approach | Uses a content-led approach, enabling a flexible approach to the teaching order. |
| Updated OCR Physics A content | Retains and refreshes the popular topics from the legacy OCR Physics A qualification (H558). |
| Teaching modules | Is laid out clearly in a series of teaching modules with additional guidance added where required to clarify assessment requirements. |
| Co-teachable structure | Is co-teachable with the AS level. |
| Practical requirements | Embeds practical requirements within the teaching modules. |
| Practical Endorsement | Identifies Practical Endorsement requirements and how these can be integrated into teaching of content. |
| Mathematical requirements | Exemplifies the mathematical requirements of the course. |
| Mathematical key requirements | Highlights opportunities for the introduction of key mathematical requirements and the additional guidance column for each module into your teaching. |
| How Science Works | Identifies, within the additional guidance, how the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works (HSW) can be incorporated within teaching. |
2 The specification overview
Learners must complete all components (01, 02, 03 and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Physics A.
2a. Overview of A Level in Physics A (H556)
| Content Overview | Assessment Overview |
|---|---|
| Content is split into six teaching modules: • Module 1 - Development of practical skills in physics • Module 2 - Foundations of physics • Module 3 - Forces and motion • Module 4 - Electrons, waves and photons • Module 5 - Newtonian world and astrophysics • Module 6 - Particles and medical physics Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). | Modelling physics (01) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A Level Exploring physics (02) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A Level Unified physics (03) 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 26% of total A Level Practical Endorsement in physics (04) (non exam assessment) Reported separately |
Assessment components
| Component | Marks | Duration | Assessment type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modelling physics (01) | 100 marks | 2 hours 15 minutes | Written paper | 37% of total A Level |
| Exploring physics (02) | 100 marks | 2 hours 15 minutes | Written paper | 37% of total A Level |
| Unified physics (03) | 70 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes | Written paper | 26% of total A Level |
| Practical Endorsement in physics (04) | Reported separately | Non exam assessment | Practical endorsement | Reported separately |