WJEC A Level Physics specification (1420)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC A Level Physics (1420) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
This WJEC A Level Physics qualification is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the physical world through rigorous study of matter, energy, forces, fields, and quantum behaviour. It develops theoretical knowledge alongside experimental and investigative skills essential to scientific practice. The course promotes the application of mathematical techniques in real-world and abstract contexts and encourages curiosity about natural phenomena. It prepares learners for further study in physics, engineering, or other STEM-related disciplines, fostering analytical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Motion, Energy and Matter (AS)
- Kinematics, Newton’s laws, momentum
- Work, energy, power, conservation principles
- Solid, liquid and gas behaviour: density, pressure, temperature
- Specific heat capacity and latent heat
- Kinetic theory and internal energy
Unit 2: Electricity and Light (AS)
- Current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s law
- Series and parallel circuits, internal resistance, power
- Waves: transverse/longitudinal, reflection, refraction, diffraction
- Superposition and interference
- Electromagnetic spectrum and photons
Unit 3: Oscillations and Nuclei (A2)
- SHM, damping, resonance
- Circular motion, centripetal force
- Atomic structure and nuclear decay
- Half-life, activity, nuclear equations
- Binding energy and nuclear fission/fusion
Unit 4: Fields and Options (A2)
- Gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields
- Field strength, potential, equipotentials
- Capacitors: energy storage, charging and discharging
- Electromagnetic induction: Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, transformers
Options (one of the following)
- Option A: Alternating Currents
- Option B: Medical Physics
- Option C: The Physics of Sports
- Option D: Energy and the Environment
- Each includes theory and practical elements relevant to the chosen context
Unit 5: Practical Examination
- Experimental task and analysis task
- Assesses hands-on skills and data evaluation
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Motion, Energy and Matter
- Written exam: 1h 30m
- 80 marks; 20% of A Level (80% of AS)
- Mixture of short structured and extended response questions
Unit 2: Electricity and Light
- Written exam: 1h 30m
- 80 marks; 20% of A Level (20% of AS)
- Includes multiple choice and structured questions
Unit 3: Oscillations and Nuclei
- Written exam: 1h 45m
- 100 marks; 25% of A Level
- Structured and extended questions including problem solving
Unit 4: Fields and Options
- Written exam: 2h
- 100 marks; 25% of A Level
- Section A: Fields (compulsory); Section B: Optional topic
Unit 5: Practical Examination
- 1h 30m; 40 marks; 10% of A Level
- Two tasks:
- Experimental (20 marks): planning and execution
- Analysis (20 marks): data analysis and evaluation
- Externally marked
AS and A Level are co-teachable, and calculators are permitted throughout.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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