Introducing AQA A level physics

The certification for AQA A-level physics consists of three written examination papers plus an endorsement of practical competence.

The three papers are worth a total of 300 marks:

• Paper 1: 85 marks
• Paper 2: 85 marks
• Paper 3: 80 marks

Paper 3 is split into two distinct sections:

• Section 3A: 45 marks
• Section 3B: 35 marks

AQA Paper 1

• Marks: 85
• Time: 2 hours
• Weighting: 34% of the total A level
• Content covered:
  • Sections 3.1 (Measurements and their errors), 3.2 (Particles and radiation), 3.3 (Waves), 3.4 (Mechanics and materials), 3.5 (Electricity), 3.6.1 (Periodic motion)
  • Relevant practical skills

Section A: Short and extended response questions (60 marks)
Section B: Multiple choice questions (25 marks)

AQA Paper 2

• Marks: 105 marks
• Time: 2 hours
• Weighting: 34% of the total A level
• Content covered:
  • Sections 3.6.2 (Thermal physics) to 3.7 (Fields) and 3.8 (Nuclear physics)
  • Assumed knowledge from 3.1 to 3.6.1 (All other core content)
  • Relevant practical skills

Section A: Short and extended response questions (60 marks)
Section B: Multiple choice questions (25 marks)

AQA Paper 3

Marks: 80 marks
Time: 2 hours
Weighting: 32% of the total A level
Content covered:

• Practical skills and data analysis
• One of Section 3.9 (Astrophysics), 3.10 (Medical physics), 3.11 (Engineering physics), 3.12 (Turning points in physics), 3.13 (Electronics).

Section A: 45 marks of short and extended response questions on practical techniques and data analysis
Section B: 35 marks of short and extended response questions on optional topic.

To gain practical endorsement with AQA, you must complete a series of required practicals.
You must demonstrate competence in:

1. Following written procedures correctly
2. Applying investigative approaches with instruments and equipment
3. Using practical equipment and materials safely
4. Making and recording accurate observations
5. Researching, referencing, and reporting findings

There is no grading in practical assessments – they are either passed or not classified.

Familiarity with the methods used in the required practicals is required within the written exam. It is worth reviewing the practicals you have completed and ensuring you understand the purpose of each step.

You may need to describe how to plan and complete a similar practical. You may also need to analyse or evaluate a practical described within a question.

AQA requires you to select and study one of five optional topics:

• 3.9 Astrophysics – optical and non-optical telescopes, classification of stars, cosmology
• 3.10 Medical physics – physics of the eye and ear, X-ray, ultrasound, and MR imaging, radionuclide imaging and therapy
• 3.11 Engineering physics – rotational dynamics, thermodynamics and heat engines
• 3.12 Turning points in physics – discovery of the electron, wave–particle duality, special relativity
• 3.13 Electronics – discrete semiconductor devices, analogue and digital signal processing, op-amps

This content is tested in Paper 3 Section B.

You have the whole of Year 12 to make this decision, so there’s no need to rush it in the first few weeks of the course. Use that time to explore the syllabus for each option, talk to your teacher about what’s on offer at your school, and think about how each topic links to your post-18 plans – then confirm your choice in good time before the February entry deadline in Year 13.

Most AQA A-level physics students sit the option that is offered by their school or college, which is most commonly Astrophysics. This is the most straightforward route, as you’ll benefit from direct instruction, set tasks, and ongoing feedback from your teacher.

However, you are not restricted to the option your school offers. If a different topic better suits your interests or future plans, you can sit it instead. For example, aspiring medical and dental students often find Medical physics particularly valuable – it links directly to content you’ll encounter at university and provides strong material for UCAS personal statements and interviews.

Choosing an option for AQA A-level physics that your school does not teach means you’ll need to self-study with some support from your teacher for clarification and marking. Speak to your teacher early – ideally before the start of Year 13 – so you have time to plan your study and gather the resources you need.

If you find yourself sitting in class while your teacher delivers content from an option you’re not sitting, treat that time as enrichment rather than exam preparation – engage with the material out of interest, but recognise that none of it will appear on your Paper 3 Section B. Your real revision for your chosen option needs to happen in your independent study time outside of those lessons, so plan a separate study schedule and make use of your teacher’s support during free periods, lunchtimes, or pre-arranged catch-ups.