Physics – Int. Advanced Level – AS XPH01
Physics – Int. Advanced Level – A2 YPH01
Course Outline
The AS and A2 Physics courses offered by Edexcel are designed to encourage students to apply
their knowledge and understanding of physics to situations they have not seen before. Good
scientific practice and critical thinking skills are also central to the course.
Course Details
AS - Physics
A2 - Physics
Unit 1:
Physics on the go
A written paper of 1 hour 20 minutes duration with
objective short and long questions based on
mechanics and materials.
(40% of AS, 20% of A2 Level)
Unit 4:
Physics on the Move
A written paper of 1 hour 35 minutes duration with
objective short and long questions based on
further mechanics, fields and particle physics.
(20% of total A Level)
Unit 2:
Physics at Work
A written paper of 1 hour 20 minutes duration with
objective short and long questions based on
waves, electricity and quantum physics.
(40% of AS, 20% of A2 Level)
Unit 5:
Physics from Creation to Collapse
A written paper of 1½ hours duration with
questions based on waves, thermal physics, and
astrophysics.
(20% of total A Level)
Unit 3:
Exploring Physics
A written paper, designed to assess practical skills.
(20% of AS, 10% of A2 Level)
Unit 6:
Experimental Physics
Planning and carrying out an experiment then
analysing the results. This is a written 1hour
20minutes exam paper
(10% of total A Level)
Assessment Criteria
See above.
Course requirements and progression
To follow the Physics course within the Sixth Form you would be expected to meet the general
requirements for AS Level courses. You need to have achieved at least a B in GCSE Physics and
at least 1 B Grade or better from GCSE Chemistry or Biology. In addition, as the subject is
based on developing numerical and analytical skills a Grade B or higher at (I)GCSE
Mathematics is required. Pupils must also take Mathematics A-level.
Students that have studied GCSE Science and Additional Science should have achieved at least an A
and a B Grade. Those students applying who have not studied GCSEs will be considered on a case
by case basis.
Physics is a prerequisite for many Technical/Engineering careers and for entry to most
technical/engineering degrees.