OCR GCSE Physics B (Twenty First Century) specification (J259)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Physics B (Twenty First Century) 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 GCSE Physics B (Twenty First Century) 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 GCSE Physics B (Twenty First Century) (J259) 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 GCSE (9–1) in Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) (subject alias: Physics B (Twenty First Century)) explores scientific understanding through a narrative-driven structure, helping students to contextualise physics in real-world scenarios. The course encourages development of conceptual models, experimental design, data analysis, and critical evaluation of evidence.
It aims to develop: • conceptual and quantitative understanding of field, force, radiation, and particle structure • practical skills through embedded activities and required PAGs • awareness of how physics influences modern life and the environment • analytical thinking and communication through the study of Ideas about Science
This narrative approach builds deeper connections across topics and supports scientific literacy through active engagement with societal and technological issues:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Chapter P1: Radiation and waves
- Properties and uses of EM radiation; risks and benefits
- Climate change and greenhouse effect
- Wave behaviour: reflection, refraction, speed, frequency
- Behaviour of light and sound in materials (separate science only)
Chapter P2: Sustainable energy
- Energy use, efficiency, dissipation, insulation
- Electricity generation from various sources
- AC/DC supply, mains safety, National Grid
Chapter P3: Electric circuits
- Static electricity and electric fields (separate science only)
- Current, potential difference, resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- Power, energy transfer, National Grid
- Magnetic fields and electromagnetism
- Electric motors and generators (generator section: separate science only)
Chapter P4: Explaining motion
- Forces and Newton’s laws
- Motion, speed, velocity, acceleration
- Energy in motion, work done, power
- Momentum, crumple zones, road safety
- Rotation, levers, gears (separate science only)
Chapter P5: Radioactive materials
- Atomic structure and models
- Types of ionising radiation, half-life
- Risks and uses of radioactive materials
- Fission and fusion (separate science only)
Chapter P6: Matter – models and explanations
- Density, energy transfers, SHC, SLH
- Particle model, gas laws
- Elasticity and Hooke’s law
- Pressure in fluids, atmospheric pressure
- Space physics: Big Bang, red-shift (separate science only)
Chapter P7: Ideas about Science
- Hypothesis formation and testing
- Data analysis, reliability, significance
- Development and acceptance of theories
- Ethical and societal impacts of science
Chapter P8: Practical Skills
- Required practicals structured in 8 PAGs
- Apparatus use, safety, technique and recording
- Examined in written papers (min. 15% of total marks):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Foundation Tier
- Breadth in physics (J259/01): All chapters assessed
- 90 marks, 1h 45m, 50% of GCSE
- Depth in physics (J259/02): All chapters assessed
- 90 marks, 1h 45m, 50% of GCSE
Higher Tier
- Breadth in physics (J259/03): All chapters assessed
- 90 marks, 1h 45m, 50% of GCSE
- Depth in physics (J259/04): All chapters assessed
- 90 marks, 1h 45m, 50% of GCSE
• All assessments are written papers • Each paper includes multiple-choice, structured, short answer and extended response questions • Practical skills assessed through written exams (no separate practical exam) • Tier choice determines accessible grade range:
- Foundation: grades 1–5
- Higher: grades 4–9:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Physics B (Twenty First Century) 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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