Higher Physics

Course Specification (03/06/2026)

Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

Changes have been made to this course following feedback from educators and learners:


Replaced Question Paper 1 and Question Paper 2 with a single question paper.
New question paper is worth 135 marks in total and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Assignment still has 20 marks, and is scaled to 33 marks instead of 30.


We’ve amended the question paper details in the course specification. Learners must have the opportunity to carry out a wide range of experimental work. Please update your assessments, for example prelims, to reflect the changes to the question paper.
 

Session 2026-27 onwards

Session 2025-26

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level


Specimen question paper

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

Coursework (03/06/2026)

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

Session 2026-27 onwards

Session 2025-26

Understanding Standards (18/06/2026)

Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Audio Presentation

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Course reports (30/10/2025)

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

Course Reports

General marking principles (Aug 2022)

Ushare open learning resources