12 Practical Endorsements - A Level Physics for Summer 2025 Exams.

Practical work is a key aspect of studying Physics and this is reflected by 15% of the marks on the theory papers for A Level Physics exams coming from questions based on Physics practical skills. In addition, students taking A Level Physics are required to undertake the Physics 12 practical endorsement which is reported separately on the exam certificate as a Pass.

At Exam Centre Birmingham we offer bespoke A Level Physics 12 practical courses which take place at our conveniently located centre in Birmingham. The course is led by experienced Physics teachers, all of whom are currently teaching A Level Physics in mainstream schools, colleges and universities.

Our centre has a fully equipped Science laboratory that has been newly refurbished for this year which along with the newly refurbished classroom provides the perfect environment for students to develop their practical skills and knowledge. With 12 places for each course the student numbers at each session are low, so students can expect plenty of support throughout the programme.

We will record your progress over the duration of the course and ensure that you are fully involved in the process, giving advice and guidance where required to maximise your chances of achieving the pass criteria.

Running the course over four days allows time for the teachers to work closely with students and the structure of the course means that all the required competencies are assessed multiple times.

At the end of the course, in addition to an improved knowledge of practical skills, you will have a completed lab book which will provide you with an invaluable revision resource for the practical questions in the A Level Physics exams.

Our practical endorsement Physics course follow the AQA framework but as the practical skills are common across all exam boards, the result can be used by any student as a demonstration of their practical competence.

Our A Level Physics practical skills course is accepted by all major exam boards including AQA, Edexcel and OCR.

Q.         Will I need to complete any work before attending the practical course?

A.         Before attending the course you will be sent a welcome pack. As one of the practical criteria is to demonstrate research skills you will be asked to do some preliminary research and preparation which will need to brought to the practical sessions. It will be beneficial if you are familiar with the Science related to each practical although the teachers will be able to provide additional guidance and instruction to ensure that you are able to carry out the practical work.

 

Q.        If I only want an A Level grade do I need to complete the practical endorsement?

A.         All exam boards expect that a student entering for A Level Science completes the relevant practical endorsement. Additionally, University offers will normally include the requirement that you pass the practical endorsement.

 

Q.        I would like to book my practical endorsement with Exam Centre Birmingham but take my exams at another centre, can this be arranged?

A.         This is an approach that we can support, but before booking the practical endorsements please ensure that you check with your entering centre that they will accept this and obtain a confirmation. We will provide a letter confirming the outcome of your practical endorsement course.

 

Q.        What do I need to do to pass the practical endorsement?

A.         To pass the practical endorsement you need to demonstrate that you can consistently meet the standards of all of the practical competencies (shown on pages 25-26 of the AQA practical handbook here. Our courses are structured so that you will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate each of the competencies.

 

Q.        What happens if I fail the practical endorsement.

A.         As you progress though the four days of the course the teacher will provide regular feedback on your progress and how to improve as required. If, despite this, you are unable to achieve all of the competencies the teacher and staff at the centre will be able to discuss further options with you.

 

Q.        What do I need to bring to the practical sessions?

A.         We provide lab books which include lined paper and graph paper where appropriate for recording your practical work. You will need to bring stationary and a calculator. Lab coats and safety goggles are provided but please ensure that you are appropriately dressed for working in a laboratory, including suitable foot ware (no open toed shoes). Tea and coffee are available at the centre but we suggest you bring a packed lunch although there are food outlets nearby.