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OCR · GCSE

OCR GCSE Physics

Physics for OCR GCSE (syllabus J249) — what the qualification covers, and the study material Marlbridge publishes for it.

Syllabus
J249
Board
OCR
Qualification
GCSE

At a glance

Qualification
OCR GCSE Physics
Spec code
J249
Does Marlbridge teach it?
Yes
Are resources available?
Yes — 6 published
Is enrolment open?
Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
Where was this verified?
2026-08-18, official OCR specification

Compiled and maintained by the Marlbridge Academic Team, checked against the official OCR specification on 2026-08-18.

Spotted something wrong on this page? Report an error — see the corrections policy.

The qualification

OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) (J249)

Our GCSE in Physics A (Gateway Science) introduces students to the key concepts of physics, integrating theory with practical skills. It helps students develop their knowledge of scientific methodology and their conceptual understanding of physics and how this can be applied to the world around them. — OCR, official syllabus page

Qualification number 601/8651/3.

Specifications change between examination series. Always confirm the current syllabus and assessment structure on the OCR syllabus page for your examination year.

Assessment structure

Linear qualification

Assessment components for OCR Physics J249
Component Duration Marks Weighting Type
J249/01: Paper 1 (Foundation Tier) (Foundation) 1h 45m 90 50% Written exam
J249/02: Paper 2 (Foundation Tier) (Foundation) 1h 45m 90 50% Written exam
J249/03: Paper 3 (Higher Tier) (Higher) 1h 45m 90 50% Written exam
J249/04: Paper 4 (Higher Tier) (Higher) 1h 45m 90 50% Written exam

Source: official OCR specification, verified 2026-08-28. Directly confirmed against OCR's own official "GCSE (9-1) Gateway Science: Exploring our question papers" guide (covering J247/J248/J249/J250, 2026-08-28). For each separate science, assessment is through two exams per tier: Paper 1/3 tests topics 1-3 plus topic 7 (practical); Paper 2/4 tests topics 4-6 plus topic 7 (practical), with assumed knowledge of topics 1-3 and synoptic assessment. Each paper is 90 marks, 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% weighting, for both Foundation tier (Papers 1-2) and Higher tier (Papers 3-4).

Assessment FAQs

How is OCR Physics (J249) assessed?

OCR Physics (J249) is assessed through: J249/01 (Paper 1 (Foundation Tier)) — 1h 45m, 90 marks, 50% of the qualification; J249/02 (Paper 2 (Foundation Tier)) — 1h 45m, 90 marks, 50% of the qualification; J249/03 (Paper 3 (Higher Tier)) — 1h 45m, 90 marks, 50% of the qualification; J249/04 (Paper 4 (Higher Tier)) — 1h 45m, 90 marks, 50% of the qualification. It is a linear qualification. Source: official OCR specification, verified 2026-08-28.

The subject

Physics teaching and study resources, organised by level and topic.

All Physics at Marlbridge

Syllabus topics

The 8 topics below are the official subject content of OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) (J249), for the For first teaching 2016 examination series, reproduced from the OCR syllabus document.

A topic listed here is part of the syllabus. It does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it — topics with resources are marked. Marlbridge currently has resources for 2 of 8 topics.

  1. 1 Matter

    3 Marlbridge resources

    The particle model · Changes of state · Pressure

  2. 2 Forces

    3 Marlbridge resources

    Motion · Newton's laws · Forces in action

  3. 3 Electricity

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

    Static and charge · Simple circuits

  4. 4 Magnetism and magnetic fields

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

    Magnets and magnetic fields · Uses of magnetism

  5. 5 Waves in matter

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

    Wave behaviour · The electromagnetic spectrum · Wave interaction

  6. 6 Radioactivity

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

    Radioactive emissions · Uses and hazards

  7. 7 Energy

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

    Work done · Power and efficiency

  8. 8 Global challenges

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

    Physics on the move · Powering Earth · Beyond Earth

Source: OCR -- official GCSE (9-1) Physics A (Gateway Science) J249 specification (accredited PDF, version 5.0) — For first teaching 2016 series. Verified 2026-09-02. This syllabus is tiered -- see the qualification summary above for the exact tier structure. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.

Study resources

Revision material

Exam preparation

Physics at other qualifications

These are separate qualifications with different syllabuses and assessments — not different names for the same course. Check which one your school enters you for.

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