How hard is A level Physics?
A level physics is a challenging subject. It is unsurprising that many are daunted by the reputation of Physics A-level as in 2023, the pass rate was 95.1%, low in comparison to other subjects which usually surpass 98%. But as a result, students who do well in Physics have a higher chance of obtaining places in more prestigious universities. However, because it is deliberately difficult, it is important that the right amount of preparation is devoted to the exams. With the right amount of focused revision, physics a level need not be hard in the slightest.
How to get the best grade in A level Physics
Obtaining the best grade in a level of physics can only be achieved through rigorous exam practice and dedication to learning key concepts back to front, inside out. Furthermore, the cumulative nature of the specification means that, should you get stuck on a certain principle early on in the course, it is paramount you catch up as you go to avoid getting left behind as prior knowledge may be required for future topics. So, the key to getting a good grade in A-level Physics is to consistently recap what you have learnt and devote time to ensuring your knowledge stays fresh in order to be able to use it to the best of your abilities during exam season.
How to revise for Physics
Begin your revision leaving plenty of time before the exams by reviewing the topics you have studied in class and prioritising the ones that you struggle with the most. Some find using a “traffic light system” beneficial for this – marking your worst topics in red, best in green, and using an amber or yellow for those that could use more revision if you have the time. This way you will be able to work your way through methodically, breaking down large tasks into manageable chunks.
Exam Boards
AQA’s ‘Specification at a glance’ feature will be useful to any student studying A-Level physics as it breaks down each topic into learning objectives, making it easy for you to decide whether or not each respective topic requires more revision. The webpage is linked here:
Another crucial aspect of revision for any subject is to practice exam technique and ensure that once you have grasped key concepts, you are able to apply them to an array of questions under timed conditions.
Past Papers
Grade boundaries for A level Physics
Grade boundaries will differ depending on which exam board you use, they also all adjust slightly each year depending on the output of each cohort. If you would like to see last year’s grade boundaries, please see below for links to each exam board’s reports. However, it is important to note that interrogating grade boundaries is not the best use of time in preparation for your exam, instead, focus on activities and worksheets that cater specifically to what you need to work on. Experienced tutors at Simply Learning Tuition can help you to prioritise revision that will give you the best shot at appearing on the highest rungs of each boundary so that you can feel confident in achieving your target grade.
Different Exam Boards
A-level Physics boards (AQA, OCR, Edexcel, and WJEC) vary in focus and style. AQA is straightforward with application-based exams, while OCR offers a traditional option (OCR A) and a real-world approach (OCR B). Edexcel mixes theory and maths with a wider variety of question styles, and question styles with WJEC are clear and well-structured, thus perhaps easier to understand, but less varied and engaging. Practical work is similar across boards, but the quantity differs. For example, AQA requires twelve experiments while Edexcel asks for sixteen.
Learning resources
The following learning resources address the topics students most commonly find challenging:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A-Level Physics very hard?
Without adequate preparation, students will find A-Level Physics exams incredibly challenging. However, by keeping up with classwork and devoting a few hours a week consistently, doing well in this qualification is achievable and rewarding.
Is it hard to get A* in A-Level Physics?
Yes, achieving an A* in any subject is meant to be challenging. For Physics, it demands excellent memory recall skills and for students to have applied learnt concepts to a variety of questions before stepping into the exam hall.
How to do well at A Level in Physics?
Exam practice and taking past papers is one of the best ways to ensure that you are prepared and well versed in what it takes to achieve an A*. In addition to this, tools such as flashcards help students to remember relevant equations and concepts and will be invaluable when it comes to applying them in the exam. Expert tutors at Simply Learning Tuition can assist in exam preparation and hone in on particular areas that students may find challenging so that they progress and gain confidence to ace the exams.
How many topics are in A level Physics?
For most exam boards, A-level Physics consists of up to twelve topics: Measurements and Uncertainties, Particles and Radiation, Waves, Mechanics and Energy, Electricity, Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Fields and Their Consequences, Nuclear Physics, Astrophysics, Medical Physics, and Engineering Physics. However, please refer to individual specifications as for some boards, topics such as Medical Physics are optional.