How to get an A*/A in A level Physics

Physics is both a rewarding and challenging subject to study, especially at A level. It is also seen as an incredibly valuable A level by university admissions officers across the country.

Studying such a demanding A level should not be taken lightly. Cracking the code of A level Physics requires solid skills in analysis, communication, maths, revision, and exam preparation. 

Whether you’re a student looking to improve your grades or you’re a parent seeking guidance for your child, this article provides the recipe for success. Illuminate your future and excel in your studies with A-Level Physics Tutors from The Profs, where precision and expertise converge to craft your academic success.

Ready to claim your A-A* in A level Physics? Connect with our friendly team today. Take your future into your own hands!

Content:

• What to expect: Understanding the A level Physics curriculum
• Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Physics?
• Is A level Physics harder than GCSE Physics?
• Understanding the A level Physics exam format
• What are the fundamental concepts of A level Physics?
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Develop your laboratory experience
• Brush up on your math
• Complete past papers to boost your grades
• Make use of visual aids to improve your memory
• Explore Physics beyond your A level
• Teach what you’ve learned
• Benefit from our expert guidance in A level Physics
• FAQs

What to expect: Understanding the A level Physics curriculum

If you’d like to achieve the best grades possible, you should learn your A level syllabus inside and out. Syllabuses can vary across exam boards, as listed below:

Need help understanding your curriculum for A level Physics? Our expert Physics tutors can clarify the topics covered, as well as break them down in an easy-to-understand way. From revision tips to practice tests, we’ve got your back. Navigate your academic journey with expert guidance from A-Level Tutors at The Profs, and pave the way for exceptional career opportunities.

Understanding the A level Physics exam format

Take a look at the table below for detailed information on the exam papers for each exam board:

The information below applies to all the above exam boards:

• Regardless of your exam board, you only take 2 papers if you commit to doing an AS level in Physics, which you take at the end of Year 12. Both of these papers account for 50% of the AS level. 
• If you decide to do the full A level, you instead take 3 papers at the end of Year 13. Roughly 25% of your final mark comes from Paper 3, whilst the remaining marks come from Papers 1 and 2 which have an approximate weighting of 37% each. 
• For AQA, you have the option to complete a practical endorsement, which is required for the majority of university applications. However, you will still earn your A level without completing this component of the course. Do make sure to double-check the practical endorsement if necessary for your chosen degrees. Also, note that a lot of science courses at prestigious universities stipulate that candidates must have passed the practical side of their Physics A level.
• AQA also provides A level candidates the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of Physics. It is also the only exam board out of those discussed that has a component where you can choose an optional module.
• OCR is special in that it offers 2 types of A level Physics; Physics A is topic-based whereas Physics B (Advancing Physics) offers a context-lead approach to learning. Both of these qualifications are seen as equally valuable.

Our expert Physics tutors can help you grasp complex concepts, find excellent revision methods suited to you and improve your grades! Harness the expertise of Online Tutors at The Profs to elevate your career prospects and open doors to new opportunities.

Is A level Physics harder or easier than GCSE Physics? 

In comparison to GCSEs, many students find A levels to be much more difficult, and unfortunately, A level Physics is no exception. Whilst GCSE Physics builds on the foundation of the subject, A level is much more rigorous.

Most top candidates study Physics within and beyond their curriculum as much as possible. If you do this, it will consolidate what you learned at GCSE whilst also helping you to become better prepared for A level questions. Many students find the jump between GCSEs and A levels challenging; the best way to combat this is exposure.

Also, make sure that you are consistent in your studies. It’s much better to do a little bit every day than study a vast amount in one day and then not at all for the next few days. Doing this increases your long-term memory and gives you time to contextualise challenging concepts. This simple strategy will be instrumental in earning you a top grade in A level Physics.

Don’t be discouraged from studying A level Physics. We can help you achieve your very best grades! Seize this opportunity to revolutionise your academic journey with The Profs, where expert GCSE Tutors empower you to achieve unparalleled success and set the stage for a thriving future.

Understanding grades: How many marks do you need to get an A or A* in A level Physics?

It is important to note that each exam board has its own marking criteria. So, achieving top grades is not easier through one exam board than another. 

Below are the grade boundaries for A level Physics (2023 Summer exam season).

AS level:

A level:

Do you need help understanding grade boundaries or what your personal goal should be? Would you like an expert to guide you through your A level in Physics? Do you want to get an A or A*? You’ve come to the right place. 

Here at The Profs, top grades are our forte. That’s why 35% of our students achieve an A* at A level, which is over 4x the national average! Talk to us to get things started. Harness the expertise of The Profs Tutors to chart a clear path to professional success and career advancement.

What are the fundamental concepts of A level Physics?

Physics is the branch of science that deals with the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. It is an incredibly broad subject that spans topics ranging from classical dynamics to electromagnetism, general relativity, and even quantum mechanics. 

Despite this, candidates don’t come across all of these topics in great detail during their A level studies, as many of these are simply too advanced to study before university. Rather, the A level provides an introductory whistle-stop tour of Physics through both theory and experimentation.

The A level expands on your GCSE knowledge, as well as introduce some new topics to you. More specifically, you build on your knowledge of classical mechanics, electricity, waves, magnetism, nuclear physics, thermal physics and space, but it may also provide you with new topics such as medical physics, the standard model and even the history of physics.

To get an A or A*, you must make sure you are proficient in all of these areas. This will require a revision timetable that is easy to follow and should be put together following your strengths and weaknesses. You also need a strong knowledge of Mathematics to get these top grades.

Need help? Our expert Physics tutors can help you understand every concept and build a personalised revision plan. Alternatively, you can also connect with one of our Mathematics tutors to get your quantitative abilities up to speed. There’s no reason not to achieve your best. 

Identify your strengths and weaknesses

Candidates only have so much time to revise for their exams, and that time must be used wisely. A great way to be productive with this is to go over your A level syllabus and use the traffic light system to identify what you believe your strengths and weaknesses are. 

This involves going through your syllabus and highlighting topics you are very confident about in green, those that you feel neutral towards in amber, and finally, red for topics you have little to no confidence in.

This process is very good at prioritising what you revise first and in what order, starting with your weakest topics. Make sure that you cover the relevant theory before jumping into exam questions when working through these, ideally using a revision guide rather than a textbook. Also, ensure that what you are working with completely matches your exam specifications.

Our expert Physics tutors can help you grasp complex concepts, find excellent revision methods suited to you and improve your grades.

Develop your laboratory experience

In any A level Physics course, having an understanding of how to conduct accurate and precise experiments is crucial for success. 

The best way to improve is through experience, so it’s a good idea to get this wherever you can. This can include taking part in regular science club activities at school or even making use of a virtual lab from home (some software can be found online for free such as PhET, and others you have to pay for such as VPLab).

It’s also a good idea to read over the specification for your A level, as it includes a list of standard experiments you need to be aware of if you are hoping to complete your practical assessment. 

As you will be expected to answer questions on standard experiments, it’s a good idea to be as familiar with them as possible. You may even want to watch a few YouTube videos to follow along with some guided demonstrations.

Brush up on your maths

Many topics within Physics heavily depend on GCSE Mathematics and beyond, which is why many students decide to study both of these subjects together. In fact several universities make it compulsory to study both Mathematics and Physics as A levels, if you are applying to university to study Physics (contact our admissions experts if you’d like to know more).

If you’re not studying A level Maths, then make sure you regularly practice algebra problems. There are also some more advanced topics such as calculus that are needed to understand how physical variables relate to one another, so it won’t be as simple as just remembering and applying your GCSE Maths knowledge.

What math is most relevant to you is entirely dependent on the questions you wind up working on. So, use your practice questions for A level Physics as a guide for the maths you need to know. 

In essence, practice answering past paper questions for Physics regularly, but keep studying Mathematics as much as you can too. For any good physicist, you cannot study one of these subjects without the other. 

Complete past papers to boost your grades

Overall, completing past papers is a valuable study technique that can help you prepare effectively for exams and increase your chances of success. Even if some of the questions are challenging, it’s best to start doing this sooner rather than later.

You also want to make sure you read and understand questions properly before attempting a question. This may involve underlining keywords and phrases. Action words, such as ‘calculate’ or ‘justify’, also give a clue as to what kind of answer should be provided. 

For instance, if a question begins with the word ‘calculate’ you are more likely to use a mathematical formula as part of a derivation than write a wordy paragraph or two.

Finally, make sure to mark every single attempt you make. By being familiar with a paper’s mark scheme, you will be able to see how marks are allocated. Use this as an opportunity to provide yourself with constructive criticism, and use that as a drive to fill any further blanks in your understanding of the material.

Do you want to get an A or A*? You’ve come to the right place. Here at The Profs, top grades are our forte. That’s why 35% of our students achieve an A* at A level, which is over 4x the national average! 

Make use of visual aids to improve your memory

Flashcards are an excellent method for swiftly reviewing essential facts and information relevant to the A level Physics curriculum. You can craft your own flashcards by jotting down key concepts, facts, and equations, or utilise online resources like Quizlet. 

Utilising online platforms such as Quizlet can further enhance your revision for A level Physics syllabus and exams. These platforms allow you to generate virtual flashcards featuring various question types and answers. Additionally, platforms like Quizlet enable you to share your flashcards with fellow students studying the same topics, fostering collaborative learning. 

Flashcards prove to be an effective and efficient method of revising for your A level Physics syllabus and exams. With the right approach, they facilitate swift recollection of key facts and concepts, aiding in achieving optimal results in your studies.

Mind maps also offer an excellent means of structuring information and establishing connections between different topics. Breaking down complex subjects into smaller components through mind mapping simplifies review and aids in memory retention. 

You can construct mind maps using traditional pen and paper or utilise online platforms such as Coggle. Mind maps typically comprise circles or boxes linked by lines.

Each box or circle denotes a keyword or concept, with lines drawn to connect related ideas and additional details incorporated in smaller boxes or circles surrounding the main idea. This method creates a visual representation of the topic, enhancing retention.

When crafting a mind map for your A level Physics syllabus, begin by listing your weakest topics and work your way up to the stronger ones.

Explore Physics beyond your A level

If you are not only aiming for top universities as well as top grades, you need to be doing plenty of supercurricular activities to show your love for Physics and aptitude for Mathematics. 

This includes attending Physics talks at universities, reading Physics books to expand your knowledge or even taking competitions such as the British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) and the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO).

Top-performing candidates for Physics degrees study additional topics over what has been provided at school. Not only does this strengthen your university applications, but it also increases your overall understanding of Physics, making A level questions much easier in comparison.

If you are in the middle of applying for university, we have an excellent team of admissions tutors who would love to help you maximise your chances of success! 

Teach what you’ve learned

Register to tutor Physics to your peers or conduct revision sessions. If not, consider approaching a friend or family member to teach them specific theories and concepts.

Even if your grasp of a topic is not completely thorough, attempting to explain it to someone can significantly aid your comprehension of its workings. Teaching others helps solidify your understanding of concepts. If you can explain concepts effectively, you possess sufficient understanding to apply them successfully!

Make sure to take regular breaks between your study periods! Other than to consolidate your knowledge, your mental health comes above all else, so make sure you also eat, drink and sleep in healthy amounts.

Want top grades and dedicated support? Our expert Physics tutors can help.

Benefit from our expert guidance in A level Physics

If you’d like to achieve an A or A* in A level Physics, you can reach out to our expert team for dedicated and bespoke support. 

Unsure? Trust in our results. 35% of our students achieved an A* in 2023, compared to the national average of 7.7%. Hence working with us will increase your chances by a whopping 78%!

Our experienced Physics tutors offer methods for improvement by breaking down complex concepts and providing exam strategies. They also offer a deeper understanding of maths by providing additional learning materials and offering immediate feedback.

If you’re making the jump from GCSE to A level you might find it especially useful to get bespoke help from one of our experienced GCSE tutors! 

FAQs

Why should you study A level Physics?

A Level Physics offers many benefits, from expanding your understanding of the world to preparing you for rewarding careers and personal development. Whether your interests lie in science, engineering, mathematics, or beyond, A level Physics equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed and make meaningful contributions to society.

How hard is A level Physics?

A level Physics is without a doubt a challenging subject due to its depth and breadth of content, complexity of concepts, mathematical rigour, and practical work. Alongside a series of written exams at the end of your time at secondary school, you will be awarded an overall grade where A and A* are the very best grades you can possibly achieve. Many universities ask for the completion of this A level to enter very intensive undergraduate degrees such as Pharmacology or Medicine.

Despite its difficulty, A level Physics can be highly rewarding for students who have a passion for the subject and are willing to put in the effort to understand its concepts thoroughly. With effective study strategies, support from teachers or our Physics tutors, and dedication, students can overcome the challenges of A level Physics and achieve success in their exams. Why not get in touch with The Profs to maximise your learning today?

Where can A level Physics take you?

A level Physics can open up various pathways and opportunities, depending on your interests and career aspirations. Here are a few potential directions:

• Further Education: A level Physics provides a solid foundation for pursuing higher education in Physics-related fields such as Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and even Philosophy.
• Scientific Research: A level Physics can lead to a career in scientific research, whether in academia, industry, or government institutions. This could involve conducting experiments, analysing data, and contributing to advancements in Physics and related fields.
• Finance and Business: As Physics is a highly quantitative subject, the analytical problem-solving skills you develop studying the subject transfer to many jobs within finance.
• Teaching: A level Physics can lead to a career in teaching Physics at secondary school or beyond. Educators play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and promoting scientific literacy.
• Environmental and Sustainability Roles: With growing concerns about the environment and sustainability, there is an increasing demand for professionals with expertise in Physics to address issues such as renewable energy and green technologies.

Ultimately, A level Physics equips you with valuable analytical, problem-solving, and practical skills that are highly sought after across various sectors. Where it takes you depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. 

Can you self-study A level Physics?

Yes, it is possible to self-study A level Physics, but it can be challenging. A level subjects are typically designed to be taught over two years in a structured classroom environment, with guidance from teachers and access to laboratory facilities for practical work. However, if you are motivated, disciplined, and have access to appropriate resources, self-studying A level Physics is feasible.

Can you do an A level in Physics in 1 year?

Mainstream secondary schools will normally not offer this as an option, with the exception that you have an exceptional aptitude for the subject. However, many institutions for adult learners offer accelerated courses for A levels, which you can complete in one year. You have the option to either study such a course through online classes, or you can still attend classes in person. Regardless of what your circumstances are, studying A level Physics in one year can be achieved through careful planning, and a commitment to the schedule you set yourself.

Chart the course to your academic future by partnering with The Profs’ University Admissions Tutors, experts who are ready to guide you through a tailored journey toward your dream university.