Switching to AQA from OCR Physics B
(Gateway)
If you’re thinking of switching to AQA from OCR GCSE Physics B (Gateway) for
teaching from September 2016, this resource will provide a helpful comparison
of the subject content and assessment for each awarding body. It directly
compares the current OCR specification, with our new specification for GCSE
Physics (8463) for 2016 onwards.
The subject content is presented in a logical teaching order with teaching
guidance and opportunities for skills development signposted throughout the
specification.
The subject content and required practicals for the GCSE Combined: Trilogy
(8464) are also in GCSE Physics (8463). This gives you the flexibility to coteach or to move students between courses; physics only content is identified
clearly.
Comparison overview
OCR
The OCR specification is modular to fit the two exam papers. Extra content to
form the full GCSE Physics course is integrated throughout the modules.
AQA
The AQA specification has broad themes, each with an introductory context and
is intended to build a deep understanding of science. It is possible to take a
variety of routes through the specification.
Assessment
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Two externally assessed written
papers (1 hour 45 minutes).
Two externally assessed written papers:

Paper 1 assesses sections
6.2, 6.4, 6.6 and 6.7

Paper 1 (75 minutes) assesses
modules P1, P2 and P3
New AQA specification

Paper 2 assesses sections
6.1, 6.3 and 6.5
Current OCR specification

Paper 2 (90 minutes) assesses
modules P4, P5 and P6.
Eight required practicals should be Controlled assessment(s) to internally
carried out by students and may be assess practical skills.
examined in the written papers to
assess practical skills.
Content
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
The content is organised into eight
topics:
Content is organised into six modules:
1. Energy for the home
1. Forces
2. Energy
2. Living for the future (energy
resources)
3. Waves
3. Forces for transport
4. Electricity
4. Radiation for life
5. Magnetism and electromagnetism
5. Space for reflection
6. Particle model of matter
6. Electricity for gadgets
7. Atomic structure
8. Space physics (physics only)
Practicals
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
The required practicals are clearly
listed. We identify opportunities for
skills development in the righthand column of the specification.
These should encourage more
Practical activities are suggested
throughout the subject content. These are
not explicitly linked to controlled
assessment practice.
practical work, which will motivate
students and encourage the
transfer of skills across the subject.
Working scientifically
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
WS 1.1 to WS 4.6
Specification reference:


'Working scientifically' is the sum of all
the activities that scientists do and
appears throughout the specification
and written papers. There are crossreferences to relevant activities in the
content.
The compulsory practicals are listed in
8.2 and integrated into the content
specification. Questions based on
practical activities will count for at least
15% of the overall marks.
Unit content identifies opportunities for
skills development throughout with
references to WS, MS (Mathematical
requirements) (7) and use of apparatus
and techniques (8.1).
Fundamental scientific
processes
Controlled assessment tasks.
(Internal assessment)
The specification has interpreted the
principles of 'How science works' into
a series of fundamental scientific
principles. Candidates require an
understanding of these fundamental
principles and the way they underpin
scientific explanations/content. These
fundamental principles are developed
throughout the specification, and
assessed in all the assessed units.
Controlled assessment contributes
25% of the total marks.
Mathematical skills are listed in
Appendix B.
Appendix C lists physical quantities
and units. Equations are embedded in
the content.
Appendix A lists Physics equations.
4.1 Forces
4.1.1 Forces and their interactions
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.1.1.1 to 4.1.1.4
Specification reference:


Vectors and equations of
motion P5b
Work and power P 3d.
Both specifications cover scalar and vector quantities, gravity and weight.
Contact and non-contact forces.
Not specified in OCR specification
Gravity, including centre of mass.
Included solely in the context of
work done and power.
Resultant forces dealt with in some
detail(mainly HT), including vector
diagrams and calculations by scale
drawings.
Know how to calculate resultant
force by vector calculation or scale
diagram.
4.1.2 Work done and energy transfer
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.1.2
Specification reference:
Work and power P3d
Both specifications cover work done and energy transfer. This is introduced
here, and covered in further detail in changes in energy.
4.1.3 Forces and elasticity
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
N/A
4.1.3
Forces acting and resultant deformation. Calculations using spring constant
(linear cases only), linear and non-linear relationships; work done.
Required practical 1 - extension of a spring
This section is not covered in the OCR specification.
4.1.4 Moments, levers and gears
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.1.4
N/A
Turning forces, calculations using M=Fa. Understanding of how levers and gears
transmit rotational forces.
This section is not covered in OCR specification.
4.1.5 Pressure and pressure differences in fluids
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.1.5.1 to 4.1.5.2
Specification reference:

Falling safely 3g

Action and reaction 5d.
The two specifications treat pressure differently. AQA develops details of
pressure in a fluid, whereas OCR uses pressure to exemplify Newton's Third Law,
and to use particle model to discuss pressure in gases, with specific reference to
rocketry.
Falling objects and terminal velocity are covered in a similar fashion.
Surface pressure, pressure in a column of
liquid, changes of pressure and buoyancy,
atmospheric pressure.
N/A
N/A
Use of particle model to explain
relationship between temperature,
volume and pressure.
Use particle theory to explain how
rockets work.
4.1.6 Forces and motion
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.1.6.1 to 4.1.6.2
Specification reference:

Speed P3a

Changing speed P3b

Forces and motion P3c

Crumple zones P3f

Projectile motion P5c.
Speed and acceleration are developed in similar ways in both specifications,
including drawing and interpreting graphical representations.
Newton's First and Second Laws of motion are covered in both specifications (see
below for differences)
The laws of motion are then applied to driving in the context of stopping
distances.
Newton's First Law
Implicit only in P3c
Newton's Second Law including inertial
mass
F=ma is included, but not referred
to as Newton's Second Law.
N/A
Projectile motion P5c
4.1.7 Momentum
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.1.7.1 to 4.1.7.3
Specification reference:
Crumple zones 3f
Both specifications cover momentum, momentum calculations, change in
momentum and applications in personal safety.
Conservation of momentum is explicit,
with reference to collisions.
Conservation is implicit in a section
on safety in car collisions and the
application of crumple zones.
Explanations using momentum for a
variety of safety features in cars, cycling,
Explanations of momentum with
reference only to car safety.
gymnastics and school playground
surfaces.
4.2 Energy
Energy is treated as a discrete topic in the new AQA specification, with
references to and from linked topics. OCR embeds energy concepts in several
content areas throughout the specification.
4.2.1 Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and
after such changes
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.2.1.1 to 4.2.1.5
Specification reference:

Heating houses 1a

Work and power 3d

Energy on the move 3e

The energy of games and
theme rides 3h.
Kinetic energy, GPE and specific heat capacity are treated in similar ways in
each specification. Work done and power are covered in both specifications.
The required practical is an investigation of specific heat capacity.
AQA develops energy stores and
changes in a variety of instances: kinetic energy, elastic potential, GPE.
Elastic potential not required. Each
of these energy changes is
embedded into other related topics.
KE develops in motion, and
progresses to sustainable energy
usage and implications for transport
policy. GPE set in the context of
roller coasters.
Work done in 4.1.2 is revisited and the N/A
relationship between energy, work
done and power is developed.
4.2.2 Conservation and dissipation of energy
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.2.2.1 to 4.2.2.2
Specification reference
Keeping homes warm: 1b
Conservation of energy and efficiency calculations are covered in similar ways
in both specifications.
Conservation is discussed in all closed
systems, with specific reference to
effect of lubricants and insulation.
Conservation and efficiency is only
covered in the context of home
insulation.
Sankey diagrams not explicitly
required.
Efficiency calculations to include
Sankey diagrams.
4.2.3 National and global energy resources
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.2.3
Specification reference:


Keeping homes warm P1b
Collecting energy from the
Sun P2a

Global warming P2c

Fuels for power P2d

Energy on the move P3e.
This is a discrete topic in the AQA specification, the coverage is more diffuse in
the OCR specification. The underlying content and working scientifically ideas
are treated in a similar way.
Both specifications cover the main energy resources, how they are used and
the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. Both
specifications cover ethical/environmental issues.
Global warming inferred but not
explicitly included.
Global warming causes, impacts and
human activity.
4.3 Waves
Waves are treated as a discrete topic in AQA's new specification, with references
to waves content in other areas of the specification. The OCR specification
introduces waves in topics relevant to the broader theme.
4.3.1 Waves in air, fluids and solids
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.3.1.1 to 4.3.1.5
Specification reference:

A spectrum of waves P1c

Light and lasers P1d

Stable Earth P1h

Ultrasound P4d

Nature of waves P5f

Refraction of waves P5g.
Both specifications cover basic wave ideas, including transverse and
longitudinal waves, properties of waves, compression and rarefaction,
definitions of amplitude, frequency and wavelength - including the wave
equation and calculating the period. Ultrasound and seismic waves are
covered in similar depth.
AQA required practical: Investigate the reflection of light by different types of
surface and the refraction of light by different substances.
The working of the human ear
N/A
Reflection of waves.
TIR as a context for reflection.
Interference
Particle theory of light vs wave
theory.
Use of ripple tanks is covered.
Suggested amongst other ways of
looking at waves.
4.3.2 Electromagnetic waves
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.3.2.1 to 4.3.2.6
Specification reference:

Heating houses P1a,

Keeping homes warm P1b

A spectrum of waves P1c

Cooking and communicating
using waves P1e

Data transmission P1f

Stable Earth P1h

Treatment P4g

Satellite communication P5e

Optics P5h.
Both specifications cover electromagnetic spectrum, refraction and interaction
of waves and matter, the uses of various e/m waves, optics and magnification.
Radio waves production, transmission
and reception.
Radio and wireless communication is
developed in terms of transmission
and interaction with the atmosphere.
Use and impact of high energy e/m
waves (UV, X-ray and gamma) in
context of risks to human health.
Covered more broadly with reference
to nuclear radiation.
UV and skin damage is covered,
mainly with reference to health
implications and ozone depletion.
Visible light, with emphasis on colour.
Light is covered in relation to its
uses as a means of communication,
and in laser applications.
Use of mobile phones and potential
health implications.
Difference between digital and
analogue signals.
4.3.3 Black body radiation
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.3.3.1 to 4.3.3.2
Specification reference:
Heating houses P1a
This is a new topic in the AQA
specification.
Emission and absorption of InfraRed 1a
4.4 Electricity
4.4.1 Current, potential difference and resistance
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.4.1.1 to 4.4.1.4
Specification references:

Safe electricals P4c

Resisting P6a

Sharing P6b

Appendix E.
Both specifications cover standard circuit diagram symbols, electrical charge,
current, resistance, ohmic and non-ohmic components, potential difference,
resistors, LDRs and thermistors.
Required practicals in AQA specification:
4.4.1.3: Investigate, using circuit diagrams to set up a circuit, the factor(s) that
affect the resistance of an electrical component.
4.4.1.4: Investigate, using circuit diagrams to construct circuits, the V-I
characteristics of a filament lamp. A diode and a resistor at constant
temperature.
Relationship between current and
charge is developed in some detail.
N/A
Diodes are included.
N/A
4.4.2 Series and parallel circuits
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.4.2
Specification reference:
Sharing P6b
Both specifications cover resistance in series and parallel circuits.
Current and voltage in series and
parallel circuits, including calculations
of current, potential difference and
resistance in series circuits.
N/A
Calculating total resistance in parallel
circuits is not required.
N/A
Electronics is covered in some detail
including potential dividers, logic
circuits, transistors and logic gates,
and truth tables. Resistance in
series and parallel circuits is
developed within this context.
4.4.3 Domestic uses and safety
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.4.3.1 to 4.4.3.3
Specification references:

Generating electricity 2b

Safe electricals 4c.
Both specifications cover: DC and AC current, mains electricity and functions
of wiring in electrical appliances, plus safety, fuses and electrical insulation.
4.4.4 Energy transfers
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.4.4.1 to 4.4.4.3
Specification reference:

Safe electricals P4c

Transforming P6g.
Both specifications cover electrical power equations and the National Grid in
similar depth.
Electrical energy transfer, work done in N/A
context of electricity, E=QV, power
ratings in electrical appliances.
4.4.5 Static electricity
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.4.5.1 to 4.4.5.2
Specification references:

Sparks P4a

Uses of electrostatics P4b.
Both specifications cover basic ideas around static electricity and the transfer
of electrons. OCR develops the topic in the context of safety and applications.
AQA doesn't use a context.
Static electricity, charged objects,
attraction and repulsion as noncontact forces.
N/A
Electrical fields.
N/A
Dangers of static electricity, antistatic measures, dust precipitators,
spray painting, defibrillators.
4.5 Magnetism and electromagnetism
4.5.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.5.1.1 to 4.5.1.2
N/A
4.5.2 The motor effect
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.5.2.1 to- 4.5.2.4
Specification reference:
Motoring P6e
Both specifications cover electromagnetism in similar ways, including effect of
current flow in a straight wire and a solenoid. Flemings LHR used to describe
the motor effect, including how rotation occurs in an electric motor.
Calculating the force on the conductor
using magnetic flux density is included
(equation given in the exam).
N/A
Motor effect in loudspeakers and
headphones.
N/A
4.5.3 Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.5.3.1 to 4.5.3.4
Specification reference:

Generating electricity P2b

Generating P6f

Transforming P6g.
Both specifications include content on induced current flow, AC generators,
transformer calculations, step-up and step-down transformers and their uses
in transmission of electricity over distances.
Students should be able to explain the
application of the generator effect to
produce ac in an alternator and dc in a
dynamo.
Refers to dynamo effect only
Moving coil microphone function.
N/A
N/A
Details of how electricity is
generated in a conventional power
station.
Details of ac generator only
4.6 Particle model of matter
4.6.1 Changes of state and the particle model
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.6.1.1 to 4.6.1.2
N/A
Both specifications cover changes in state. AQA covers it in more detail.
Required practical:
4.6.1.1: Investigate using appropriate apparatus, the densities of regular and
irregular solid objects and liquids, making and recording appropriate
measurements.
Density and density calculations.
N/A
Conservation of mass in state change.
4.6.2 Internal energy and energy transfers
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.6.2.1 to 4.6.2.3
Specification reference:
Heating houses P1a
Both specifications cover changes in temperature with respect to specific heat
capacity and specific latent heat.
Internal energy and implications for
changes in temperature or state.
Internal energy is not explicitly
mentioned; the idea is developed
implicitly in the content of latent
heat.
Interpretation of heating and cooling
graphs including state changes is
included.
N/A
4.6.3 Particle model and pressure
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.6.3.1 to 4.6.3.3
Specification reference:

Heating houses P1a

Action and reaction P5d.
Both specifications cover particle model and pressure, relationship between
temperature and pressure at constant volume; volume and pressure at constant
temperature.
pV = constant
Energy transfer in a gas
N/A
4.7 Atomic Structure
4.7.1 Atoms and isotopes
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.7.1.1 to 4.7.1.3
N/A
This is shared content in the new AQA Physics and Chemistry specifications.
None of this content is in OCR Gateway Physics, although knowledge of basic
atomic model and some of the terminology is assumed in several topics.
Structure of an atom, mass number,
atomic number, isotopes; the
development of the model of the atom.
N/A
4.7.2 Atoms and nuclear radiation
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.7.2.1 to 4.7.2.4
Specification reference:

Energy on the move P2e

What is radioactivity? P4e

Uses of radioisotopes P4f

Treatment P4g

Fission and fusion P4h.
Both specifications cover:

nuclear radiation, ionising and penetration through materials of
alpha, beta and gamma radiation

nuclear equations

background radiation

half-life

uses of nuclear radiation

nuclear fission and fusion.
Use of the Becquerel as a unit of
measurement of rate of decay.
N/A
Uses of radiation limited to medical
uses.
Uses to include medical, industrial,
smoke detectors, radioactive dating.
Radioactive contamination,
irradiation vs contamination, safety
precautions.
Safety of handling radioactive
material, and problems with
radioactive waste.
4.8 Space physics
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference:
4.8.1.1 to 4.8.2
Specification reference:

Exploring our Solar System
P2f

Threats to Earth P2g

The Big Bang P2h.
Both specifications cover our solar system and its part in the Milky Way
galaxy, life cycle of a star, orbital motion, red shift and evidence for the Big
Bang model.
Use of light-year as a measure of
distance
Manned and unmanned explorations
of space/planets
Historical models of the universe Copernicus and Galileo
Asteroids and comets, origin,
evidence of historical collisions and
the threat of future collisions
Dark matter/dark energy
N/A