OCR AS Physics specification (H156)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR AS 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 AS 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 AS Physics (H156) 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
The OCR AS Level in Physics A builds on GCSE foundations to explore key physical principles, mathematical reasoning and experimental investigation. The course aims to develop learners’ analytical and problem-solving skills through real-world contexts, practical work and quantitative modelling. It encourages the application of physics across a range of systems and scales, providing a strong basis for further study in science, engineering and technology.Subject content breakdown
Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
- Practical techniques and procedures
- Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of data
- Planning, implementing, and reporting investigations
Module 2: Foundations of physics
- Physical quantities and SI units
- Scalars and vectors
- Measurements and uncertainties
Module 3: Forces and motion
- Motion and equations of motion
- Forces and Newton’s laws
- Work, energy, and power
- Momentum and collisions
Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons
- Charge and current, energy and power in electrical circuits
- Resistance and resistivity
- Electrical circuits and Kirchhoff’s laws
- Wave properties: reflection, refraction, interference
- Quantum physics: photoelectric effect, energy levels, and photons
Practical endorsement (AS)
- Learners complete a minimum of 6 core practicals integrated into modules
- Practical skills assessed through written exams, not as a separate component
Assessment structure
Paper H156/01: Breadth in physics
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks
- Assesses content from all four modules
- Section A: multiple-choice
- Section B: structured and extended response questions
- Includes practical-based questions
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Paper H156/02: Depth in physics
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks
- Assesses deeper understanding and application across all modules
- Structured and extended response questions
- Includes analysis and interpretation of experimental data
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR AS 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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