A-Level Physics advice

Hi!
I'm studying AQA Physics at A- Level, which I'm really struggling with and have been getting extra support for. However, my grades are still poor. I'm applying to architecture so ideally need a B, but I've been predicted a C.

I'm a visual learner but struggle with applying that to physics. I also really struggle with application of knowledge in exam questions and usually miss important but 'subtle' information that has been provided to solve the problems.

If anyone has any guidance, or methods for revision or learning content that may help, it would be greatly appreciated!

Reply 1

sppm726

I am so sorry. AQA has a reputation for being the hardest exam board for Physics 😳😳

I had Edexcel (thank god)

I recommend buying the subscription to save my exams, and completing all the practise questions for AQA, and then moving on to the other exam board questions in the same topics as they’re similar.

I also tried to make notes on the same subject, but from different sources (eg my textbook, my class notes, save my exams, and physics maths tutor)

Good luck. Physics is hard, but I’m sure something will click when you’re studying, which will make it easier.

Reply 2

harriet_30

Original post by sppm726

I am so sorry. AQA has a reputation for being the hardest exam board for Physics 😳😳
I had Edexcel (thank god)
I recommend buying the subscription to save my exams, and completing all the practise questions for AQA, and then moving on to the other exam board questions in the same topics as they’re similar.
I also tried to make notes on the same subject, but from different sources (eg my textbook, my class notes, save my exams, and physics maths tutor)
Good luck. Physics is hard, but I’m sure something will click when you’re studying, which will make it easier.

Ok, thank you for your advice! I already have the savemyexams subscription (It has saved me haha), but I will definitely work on doing more past papers and questions.

Reply 3

PhysicsWithKate

Original post by harriet_30

Hi!
I'm studying AQA Physics at A- Level, which I'm really struggling with and have been getting extra support for. However, my grades are still poor. I'm applying to architecture so ideally need a B, but I've been predicted a C.
I'm a visual learner but struggle with applying that to physics. I also really struggle with application of knowledge in exam questions and usually miss important but 'subtle' information that has been provided to solve the problems.
If anyone has any guidance, or methods for revision or learning content that may help, it would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Harriet - I empathise with the subtle clues. There are a list of tricks examiners use, you could ask whoever supports you to do an exam technique session. It would be helpful to have a list of 'cryptic clues' to help decipher physics questions. I've never seen one though. Here are some common ones for prose and formula clues:

How does something change, or affect something | Never use change or affect in an answer, always explicitly identify if that variable increases or decreases

Any word question about motion | Never use motion in an answer. Think of Newton, F = ma. Always compare forces to identify the resultant force then comment on the objects acceleration, or change in speed or direction.

For formula questions they use phrases like:

Crashed, stopped, started | this means the velocity = 0 ms-1

The highest point of a ball thrown in the air (projectile) | When v_y = 0 ms-1

These are just a few. You could collate a list yourself as you revise with past papers. There are only a limited amount of 'cryptic clues' so you have time before the summer exams.
Good luck with the revision.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 4

harriet_30

Original post by PhysicsWithKate

How does something change, or affect something | Never use change or affect in an answer, always explicitly identify if that variable increases or decreases

For formula questions they use phrases like:

Crashed, stopped, started | this means the velocity = 0 ms-1

The highest point of a ball thrown in the air (projectile) | When v_y = 0 ms-1

Great, thank you for the advice!
I always miss hints when it comes to the motion of objects.
I will definitely try make a list!

Reply 5

Drummy

Original post by harriet_30

Hi!
I'm studying AQA Physics at A- Level, which I'm really struggling with and have been getting extra support for. However, my grades are still poor. I'm applying to architecture so ideally need a B, but I've been predicted a C.
I'm a visual learner but struggle with applying that to physics. I also really struggle with application of knowledge in exam questions and usually miss important but 'subtle' information that has been provided to solve the problems.
If anyone has any guidance, or methods for revision or learning content that may help, it would be greatly appreciated!

have a look at

https://www.youtube.com/@understandingphysicsbydave1349

Reply 6

Saad.zz

Original post by harriet_30

Hi!
I'm studying AQA Physics at A- Level, which I'm really struggling with and have been getting extra support for. However, my grades are still poor. I'm applying to architecture so ideally need a B, but I've been predicted a C.
I'm a visual learner but struggle with applying that to physics. I also really struggle with application of knowledge in exam questions and usually miss important but 'subtle' information that has been provided to solve the problems.
If anyone has any guidance, or methods for revision or learning content that may help, it would be greatly appreciated!

If your a visual learner I’d recommend getting uplearn for physics made me go from a c to an A

Reply 7

cbush6016

A level physics online, physics by Dave, science shorts, z physics all on YT are awesome. Physics and maths tutor is awesome for questions, notes and papers