Guide to A Level Physics

How hard is A Level Physics?

A Level Physics is a challenging subject. It is unsurprising that many are daunted by the reputation of A Level Physics 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.

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.

AQA

OCR

Edexcel

WJEC

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:

Internal resistance:

Waves:

Electricity:

Circular motion:

Simple harmonic motion:

Capacitors:

Photoelectric effect:

Modal dispersion:

Projectile motion:

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.