Physics

CCEA A-Level Physics is taken in Northern Ireland on a modular AS and A2 structure. AS covers forces, energy, electricity, waves and photons; A2 continues into deformation of solids, thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, fields, capacitance, nuclear physics and particle physics. A practical assessment unit sits alongside the written papers at both levels.

The separate practical units are the main structural difference from the linear English specifications: laboratory skill is assessed directly rather than inferred from written answers about experiments. CCEA also places consistent emphasis on the quality of written communication in extended answers, so students who can calculate correctly but explain loosely lose marks that are recoverable with practice.