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How to Revise International A-Level Physics

Tackle International A-Level Physics with practice on mechanics, waves, electricity, fields, and quantum physics.

Revision Strategy

Revising Physics requires a blend of memorisation and understanding. You need to recall key facts, definitions, and processes, but you also need to understand the underlying principles well enough to apply them to unfamiliar scenarios. Start each topic by learning the core concepts, then test yourself with application questions that require you to use your knowledge in new contexts.

Diagrams are one of the most powerful revision tools for Physics. Whether it is the structure of a cell, an energy level diagram, or a circuit, being able to draw and label diagrams from memory cements your understanding far more effectively than re-reading text. Practise reproducing key diagrams until you can do so accurately without any reference material.

Do not neglect the practical and mathematical elements. Physics exams include questions on required practicals and expect you to perform calculations confidently. Practise interpreting data tables, plotting graphs, calculating rates and percentages, and evaluating experimental methods. These skills are tested every year and are straightforward marks if you have prepared.

Study Tips for International A-Level Physics

  • Work through derivations of key equations yourself rather than just memorising them. Understanding where formulae come from helps you apply them correctly to unfamiliar problems.
  • Practice resolving vectors, drawing free-body diagrams and setting up equations of motion until these become automatic. These skills are used repeatedly across the entire course.
  • Build a formula sheet for each module and regularly test yourself on recalling and applying each equation. International A-Level Physics expects confident formula manipulation.
  • Solve problems from multiple sources, not just your textbook. Different exam boards and physics problem books present challenges that develop flexible problem-solving skills.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Physics

  • Always include units in your final answer and check that they are consistent with what the question asks for. SI unit errors are one of the most common causes of lost marks.
  • Draw clear diagrams for mechanics, circuits, fields and waves questions even when not explicitly asked. A diagram helps you organise your thinking and can earn marks for method.
  • In experimental design questions, discuss systematic and random errors, explain how to minimise them, and describe how you would analyse the results (e.g. gradient of a graph, error bars).

Topics to Cover

9 topics in International A-Level Physics

Physical Quantities
Kinematics
Dynamics
Waves
Electricity
Fields
Nuclear Physics
Quantum Physics
Practical Skills

Available Exam Boards

International A-Level Physics specification guides for each exam board

Frequently Asked Questions

Is International A-Level Physics accepted for engineering degrees? +
Yes. Engineering departments at universities worldwide, including all UK Russell Group institutions, accept International A-Level Physics as equivalent to the domestic A-Level. Physics and Mathematics are typically the two required A-Levels for engineering courses.
How much maths is in International A-Level Physics? +
A great deal. You need strong algebra, trigonometry, calculus (basic differentiation and integration) and graph interpretation skills. Many students find that taking A-Level Mathematics alongside Physics is essential for success.
Can I resit individual physics modules? +
Yes. The modular structure of the International A-Level allows you to resit individual unit exams, with your best result for each unit counting towards the overall grade.
What is the difference between International A-Level Physics and UK A-Level Physics? +
The content is broadly equivalent, but International A-Level Physics is modular (with multiple exam sessions per year and resit opportunities) while UK A-Level Physics is linear. The practical assessment arrangements also differ between the two qualifications.

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