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About AS Level Physics
AS Level Physics is the first year of A Level physics, usually taken in Year 12. Students sit the exams at the end of that year. It covers measurements and errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials, and electricity. It works two ways: as a qualification in its own right, or as the first half of a full A Level.
The subject changes shape at this level. GCSE physics asks students to state facts and use a formula. AS physics asks them to rearrange that formula, combine two or three ideas in one question, and explain the result in precise words. Students who were comfortable at GCSE often meet their first real wall here.
We teach the AS as its own qualification, not a warm-up for the second year. Lessons follow the specification your child's school uses, we work from real past papers from their board, and we fix the small errors, such as a dropped unit, a missing power of ten or an unlabelled diagram, that quietly cost grades. Parents can follow progress in the Centaurus Academy LMS all year.
Who AS Level Physics Is For
This course suits Year 12 students who want an AS physics grade they can rely on.
- Year 12 students sitting AS Physics this summer
- Students aiming at engineering, physics, architecture or computer science degrees
- Learners pushing from a B up to an A
- Students who understand the ideas but lose marks on calculations and units
- Families who want one tutor across all their science subjects
AS Level Physics Exam Boards We Cover
Physics AS Levels come in two families. AQA and Edexcel are UK boards, where the content is set by the government and is nearly identical, so only the paper split changes. Cambridge International, OxfordAQA and Edexcel International follow their own international syllabuses. One thing every board shares: the maths load jumps sharply at this level, so we teach the physics and the arithmetic together.
AQA
Two papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks and worth 50%. Both cover all five AS sections, but they test them differently. Paper 1 is short and long answers split by topic. Paper 2 has three parts: 20 marks on practical skills and data analysis, 20 marks reaching across the whole AS content, and 30 multiple choice questions. AQA sets six required practicals at AS, tested inside the written papers, with no separate practical endorsement. One note for families outside the UK: AQA has announced that AS Physics 7407 will no longer be available to UK overseas centres from 2027, so check the rules for your centre.
Edexcel
Two papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, both sat in May or June of the same year. Paper 1 covers working as a physicist, mechanics and electric circuits. Paper 2 covers working as a physicist, materials, and the wave and particle nature of light. Each paper has a Section A on those topics and a Section B worth 20 to 24 marks, which is a data analysis question in Paper 1 and a short article in Paper 2, drawing on the whole course. Eight core practicals run through the year and are tested in the written papers. At least 40% of the marks across both papers are for maths, the highest maths weighting of any board here.
Cambridge
Three papers, and all three make up the AS. Paper 1 is multiple choice, 1 hour 15 minutes and 40 marks, worth 31% of the AS. Paper 2 is structured questions, 1 hour 15 minutes and 60 marks, worth 46%. Paper 3 is the Advanced Practical Skills exam, 2 hours and 40 marks, worth 23%. Candidates take all three in the same exam series. Exams run in June and November, and in March for schools in India. Students can carry the AS result forward into the full A Level, within the rules and time limits.
OxfordAQA
Two units, each a 2-hour written exam worth 80 marks. Unit 1 is Mechanics, materials and atoms. Unit 2 is Electricity, waves and particles. Both units follow the same shape: 50 marks of short and long questions, 16 marks of data analysis and application, and 14 marks of multiple choice. Each unit is 50% of the AS and 20% of the full International A Level, and the AS is worth 40% of the final grade. Exams run in January and May/June, and units can be retaken.
How Centaurus Helps AS Level Physics Students Excel
Rearranging Formulas
Most AS physics questions start by asking for a rearranged formula, and most lost marks happen right there. Your child practises until the algebra is automatic, so the physics gets the attention instead.
Practical Skills and Uncertainties
Every board tests practical work. We cover the required practicals for your board, plus uncertainties, significant figures and graph work, which are the parts students find hardest and drop most easily.
Diagram and Explanation Marks
Physics marks are not all numbers. Labelled diagrams, correct terminology and clear reasoning carry real weight, so we teach students to write answers examiners can reward.
Maths Confidence
The maths load jumps at AS, and Edexcel weights it at 40% of the marks. We build the arithmetic, trigonometry and graph skills the papers assume, rather than hoping they arrive.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AS Level Physics support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About AS Level Physics
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