AS/A Level Physics is a complex subject as it includes maths, abstract concepts, multi-step problems, along with practical skills. But with the right approach, consistent efforts, and strong time management skills, scoring an A* is no longer an impossible task. Online tutoring platforms like Mixt Academy, SuperProf and GoStudent are there to help you with personalised academic needs. Explore this blog to learn what AS/A Level Physics is, what the exam structure is according to different boards, expert tips AS/A Level Physics tutors teach students to score higher in the exam and some of the reliable tutoring platforms.
Understanding AS/A Level Physics
AS/A Level Physics tells how the universe works with proper maths, logic and understanding. AS Level covers foundational topics like motion, forces, electricity, energy, and waves. And in A2 Level (A Level), you will learn deeper and applied topics like fields, quantum physics, nuclear physics, and advanced mechanics. AS/A Level Physics is the subject where you finally understand:
- Why things move
- How electricity actually works
- Why waves behave weirdly
- What atoms really do
- How energy flows
- How forces shape everything around you
AS/A Level Physics Exam Structure
Each board has a different exam structure. The following is the structure of the AS/A Level Physics exam according to each board.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics
AS Level (Year 12)
Paper 1: Multiple Choice
40 MCQs
1 hour 15 min
31% of AS grade
Paper 2: Structured Questions
Written answers
1 hour 15 min
46% of AS grade
Paper 3: Advanced Practical Skills
Lab exam OR ATP alternative
2 hours
23% of AS grade
A2 Level (Year 13)
Paper 4: Structured Questions (Advanced)
Harder, longer questions
2 hours
37% of A Level grade
Paper 5: Planning & Analysis
Practical planning + data handling
1 hour 15 min
13% of A Level grade
Edexcel IAL (International A Level Physics)
AS Level
Unit 1: Physics on the Go
Mechanics + materials
Written paper (1 hr 30 min)
Unit 2: Physics at Work
Electricity + waves
Written paper (1 hr 30 min)
Unit 3: Practical Skills
Data analysis + experimental design
Written exam (1 hr 20 min)
A2 Level
Unit 4: Physics on the Move
Fields, further mechanics
Written paper (1 hr 35 min)
Unit 5: Physics from Creation to Collapse
Nuclear + thermal + cosmology
Written paper (1 hr 35 min)
Unit 6: Practical Skills
Practical-based written exam (1 hr 20 min)
AQA A Level Physics (UK Board)
AS Level
Paper 1
Sections 1–5
1 hr 30 min
MCQs + short + long questions
Paper 2
Sections 1–5 + practical questions
1 hr 30 min
A Level
Paper 1
Sections 1–5 + 6.1 (periodic motion)
2 hours
34% of A Level
Paper 2
Sections 6.2–8
2 hours
34% of A Level
Paper 3
Practical skills + option topic
2 hours
32% of A Level
4. Edexcel (UK) A Level Physics
AS Level (Separate Qualification)
Paper 1 & Paper 2
1 hr 30 min each
Mixture of MCQs + structured + long questions
A Level
Paper 1: Advanced Physics 1
Mechanics, waves, and electricity
2 hours
30%
Paper 2: Advanced Physics 2
Fields, nuclear, thermal
2 hours
30%
Paper 3: General & Practical Skills
Data analysis, experiments
1 hr 30 min
40%
10 Top Strategies AS/A Level Physics Tutors Recommend
The following are the top skills AS/A Level Physics tutors recommend students use in daily practice to score higher in the exam.
1. Master the Basics Before the Complex Topics
If your basics are weak, everything feels impossible. Start with basic concepts like forces, energy, electricity, motion and waves and then move to advanced topics.
2. Learn & Understand the Formulas
Don’t just memorise formulas, know when to use them and how they work.
3. Draw Diagrams for Every Question
AS/A Level Physics tutors suggest students to use visualising tools like free-body diagrams, circuit diagrams, ray diagrams and motion graphs.
4. Use Step-by-Step Working
Don’t randomly jump from one section to another. Stick to one question and complete it thoroughly before moving to the next one. Always write answers like Formula, Substitution, Calculation and Final value with units. This way, your answer becomes more understandable and clear for the examiner.
5. Practice Past Papers
You should never miss past papers. With regular practice of past papers, you will come to know repeated questions, common tricks, marking habits, and a better way to answer a question.
6. Check Mark Schemes to Learn “How Examiners Think.”
Mark schemes teach the exact vocabulary needed, like constant acceleration, proportional to, resultant to, etc.
7. Train Your Calculation Speed
Most students lose their marks due to slow use of the calculator. Tutors recommend students to practice the basics without a calculator, learning unit conversions and solving quickly.
8. Improve Your Units and Significant Figures
SO many students lose marks for small things like wrong units, missing units or too many significant figures. Do not leave them black.
9. Master Graph Skills
Graphs appear everywhere in Physics. AS/A Level Tutors train students to find slopes, identify intercepts, spot relationships, and understand proportionality
10. Learn Practical & Data Skills for Paper 3/5
Don’t ignore the practical paper. You can secure good marks from this section. Learn how to plot graphs, how to calculate percentage error, how to identify variables and how to describe improvements.
Top Tutoring Platforms Providing AS/A Level Physics Tutors
GoStudent
GoStudent offers one-on-one online tutoring services covering over 30 subjects at every school stage, from Primary to A Level.
Mixt Academy
Mixt Academy offers 1-on-1 personalised online tutoring sessions. The platform provides online tutors for all subjects, including Accounting, Business Studies & Economics, Combined Science / General Science support, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, English (English Literature / Language/exam prep), and other common subjects. The platform has experienced tutors who support students in the IGCSE, GCSE, A-Level, and IB curricula.
MyPrivateTutor
The platform provides tutoring services in the UAE covering a range of subjects, languages, exam, test preparation, and multiple curricula, including local UAE curricula, British/IGCSE/A-Level, and IB.
SuperProf
SuperProf offers online and in-person tutoring services. Superprof tutors set their own hourly rates and offer support for British curricula (IGCSE/A-Level), and IB / MYP/DP & international curricula. The platform covers a wide range of subjects and test preparations.
Taddrees
Taddrees offers online tutoring sessions for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics for Grades 1–12 and also provides personalised services for test preparation for IGCSE, SAT, and TOEFL.
Bottom Line
AS/A Level Physics becomes much easier when you follow the right strategies, strong basics, clear diagrams, organised working, fast calculations, and regular past-paper practice. With the help of tutoring expert online platforms like Mixt Academy, GoStudent, and SuperProf, students can understand every topic step by step, learn how examiners think, and improve their practical and problem-solving skills.
FAQs
What is AS/A Level Physics?
AS/A Level Physics is the study of how the world works using maths, logic, and experiments. You learn about forces, motion, electricity, waves, energy, fields, and atoms.
Is AS/A Level Physics difficult?
It can feel difficult sometimes, but it becomes easy when your basics are strong, and you practise regularly. Most difficulty comes from weak foundations, not the subject itself.
How can I score higher in AS/A Level Physics?
Use clear diagrams, write step-by-step solutions, practise past papers, learn formulas with understanding, and improve your calculation speed. These strategies make a big difference.
Do I need a tutor for AS/A Level Physics?
A tutor is helpful if you struggle with certain topics or want extra guidance. Tutors explain concepts in simple ways and help you prepare for exams more effectively.
Which tutoring platforms offer AS/A Level Physics help?
Trusted platforms include Mixt Academy, GoStudent, MyPrivateTutor, SuperProf, and Taddrees. They offer one-on-one online tutoring for IGCSE, GCSE, AS Level, and A Level Physics.
How important is the practical exam in AS/A Level Physics?
Practical exams are very important. Practical papers are easy to score marks if you know how to plot graphs, calculate errors, and analyse results.
