Introducing OCR A level physics
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The certification for OCR A level physics (A) consists of three written examination papers plus an endorsement of practical competence.
The three papers are worth a total of 270 marks:
Paper 1: 100 marks
Paper 2: 100 marks
Paper 3: 70 marks
OCR-A Paper 1: Modelling physics
- Marks: 100
- Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Weighting: 37% of the total A level
- Content covered: Modules 1, 2, 3, and 5
Section A: Multiple choice questions (15 marks)
Section B: Short and extended response questions (85 marks)
OCR-A Paper 2: Exploring physics
- Marks: 100 marks
- Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Weighting: 37% of the total A level
- Content covered: Modules 1, 2, 4, and 6
Section A: Multiple choice questions (15 marks)
Section B: Short and extended response questions (85 marks)
OCR-A Paper 3: Unified physics
- Marks: 70 marks
- Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Weighting: 26% of total A level
- Content covered: All modules (1–6)
All questions are short answer or extended response questions; there is no multiple-choice section in this paper.
To gain practical endorsement with OCR you must complete a minimum of 12 practical activities covering all Practical Activity Groups (PAGs 1–12).
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.
A-level qualifications are graded on the scale: A*, A, B, C, D, E
The final is grade 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 can vary significantly.
Approximate percentage ranges for recent OCR A level physics (A) grade boundaries are given below:
Do not panic if you found a paper particularly difficult – this will likely be reflected in the grade boundary assigned.
Practical Endorsement is reported separately as Pass/Not Classified.