Introducing Edexcel A level physics
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The certification for Edexcel A level physics consists of three written examination papers plus the Science Practical Endorsement.
The three papers are worth a total of 300 marks:
- Paper 1: 90 marks
- Paper 2: 90 marks
- Paper 3: 120 marks
The Edexcel specification may be taught using either the concept approach or the context-led Salters Horners approach. Medify’s content has been arraged to match the concept approach.
The concept approach first examines the fundamental laws, theories, and models within physics, then subsequently investigates their practical applications.
Edexcel Paper 1: Advanced physics I
- Marks: 90
- Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Weighting: 30 of the total A level
- Content covered:
- Specification content from Topics 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8
- Demonstration of relevant mathematical skills
The paper is composed of a mixture of multiple-choice and free-response questions.
Edexcel Paper 2: Advanced physics II
- Marks: 90
- Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Weighting: 30 of the total A level
- Content covered:
- Specification content from Topics 1, 4, 5, 8, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13
- Demonstration of relevant mathematical skills
The paper is composed of a mixture of multiple-choice and free-response questions.
Edexcel Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics
- Marks: 120
- Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Weighting: 40 of the total A level
- Content covered:
- All specification content
- Demonstration of relevant mathematical skills
- Specific focus on experimental techniques in the core practicals
The paper is composed of a mixture of short and extended free-response questions only.
To gain practical endorsement with Edexcel, you must complete a minimum of 12 from a series of 16 core practicals.
You must demonstrate competence in:
- Following written procedures correctly
- Applying investigative approaches with instruments and equipment
- Using practical equipment and materials safely
- Making and recording accurate observations
- 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.
Questions of this nature form a significant proportion of paper 3.
A level qualifications are graded on the scale: A*, A, B, C, D, E
The final grade is calculated by adding marks from the three written components.
Grade boundaries represent the minimum marks required to achieve a given grade. Based on previous years, the grade boundaries vary.
Approximate percentage ranges for recent Edexcel A level physics grade boundaries are given below:
Do not panic if you have found a paper particularly difficult – this will likely be reflected in the grade boundary assigned.
Practical Endorsement is reported separately as Pass/Not Classified.