Frequently Asked Questions

What grades can students achieve from studying AEA Physics?
What is the subject content for AEA Physics?
What are the assessment objectives for AEA Physics?
How is AEA Physics assessed?
What are the pre-requisites for taking this course?
What is the specification code for AEA Physics?

Q. What grades can students achieve from studying AEA Physics?

A. Students are awarded a grade on a two-point scale: Distinction and Merit, with Distinction being the higher award. Students who do not reach the minimum standard for Merit are recorded as ungraded. A Distinction is worth 40 UCAS points, and a Merit is worth 20 UCAS points


Q. What is the subject content for AEA Physics?

A. The AEA in Physics requires greater depth of understanding rather than greater breadth of knowledge. It also requires application of understanding in critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis within physics. The requirements do not, however, go beyond the content specified within the GCE subject criteria. The Advanced Extension Award in physics does not require any additional teaching.

The AEA in Physics is based on sections taken from the GCE AS and A2 specification for Physics. These are:

  • the knowledge and understanding set out in sections 1.1 – 1.9.2 of Appendix 1;
  • the skills of analysing and evaluating evidence included within section 2 of Appendix 1; and
  • the mathematical techniques included within section 3 of Appendix 1.

Q. What are the assessment objectives for AEA Physics?

A. In AEA Physics, students are assessed against one assessment objective. Students must:

apply and communicate effectively their understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of physics, using and applying the skills of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis, and applying mathematical techniques to physical contexts.


Q. How is AEA Physics assessed?

A. AEA Physics is assessed by one written examination paper worth 100 percent.


Q. What are the pre-requisites for taking this course?

A. Physics AEA is aimed at the top 10 percent of students nationally. Teachers should be confident that students entered for this award are likely to attain a Grade A at GCE securely. Centres should enter students who are generally expected to perform significantly above the Grade A. Centres may enter as many or as few candidates as they wish for the AEA in Physics.



Q. What is the specification code for AEA Physics?

A. The specification code for AEA Physics is 1210.