OCR A Level Physics specification (H556)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Physics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Physics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Physics (H556) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This OCR A Level Physics A qualification enables students to understand the principles that govern the physical world through a blend of theoretical and practical learning. The course emphasises the application of mathematical methods, experimental technique, and conceptual understanding across a wide range of contexts—from classical mechanics to quantum physics. It promotes logical reasoning and analytical skills while encouraging curiosity about the universe. The qualification prepares learners for further study or careers in physics, engineering, computing, and other scientific disciplines.Subject content breakdown
Module 1: Development of Practical Skills
- Practical skills assessed in written exams and via the Practical Endorsement
- Skills include planning, implementing, analysing, evaluating
Module 2: Foundations of Physics
- Physical quantities and units, SI units, prefixes
- Scalars and vectors
- Uncertainties and data analysis
- Use of standard form and significant figures
Module 3: Forces and Motion
- Motion, displacement-time and velocity-time graphs
- Equations of motion, projectile motion
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Linear momentum and impulse
Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons
- Electric current, charge, energy and power
- Resistance, Ohm’s law, resistivity
- Kirchhoff’s laws
- Wave properties, refraction, diffraction, polarisation
- Interference and superposition
- Quantum phenomena: photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality
Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics
- Thermal physics: temperature, internal energy, specific heat capacity
- Ideal gases and kinetic theory
- Circular motion, oscillations, simple harmonic motion
- Newton’s law of gravitation
- Stars and the universe, stellar evolution, Doppler effect, Hubble’s law
Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics
- Capacitors and energy storage
- Electric fields, uniform and radial
- Magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction
- Nuclear physics: decay modes, activity, half-life
- Medical imaging: X-rays, CAT scans, gamma imaging
- PET scans, ultrasound, attenuation and A-mode/B-mode scanning
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Modelling Physics (H556/01)
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes; 100 marks; 37% of A Level
- Assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3, and 5
- Includes structured questions, extended response and problem-solving
Paper 2: Exploring Physics (H556/02)
- Written exam: 2 hours 15 minutes; 100 marks; 37% of A Level
- Assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4, and 6
- Structured questions and analysis of experimental data
Paper 3: Unified Physics (H556/03)
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes; 70 marks; 26% of A Level
- Assesses content from all six modules
- Focus on synoptic understanding and application across the course
Practical Endorsement (non-examined)
- Based on 12 core practicals completed over the course
- Assesses direct observation of 12 practical competencies
- Reported separately as pass/fail on final certificate
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Physics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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