GCSE Physics (AQA 8463) - Higher Tier Mark Scheme - Physics Higher | Paper 1H

Sep 5, 2026

GCSE Physics (AQA 8463) Higher Tier mark scheme provides teacher-focused guidance for assessing responses in Physics Higher Paper 1H. It explains how marks are allocated to question parts, including available marks, correct answers or typical correct responses, and relevant Assessment Objectives. It sets rules for marking lists, use of accepted symbols and formulae, calculation stages with working, handling references like “it” and “them,” error carry-forward, phonetic spelling, brackets, and how to apply level-of-response descriptors and exemplar guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

General guidance for teachers

Marking structure and information provided

Marking rules

Marking of lists

Use of symbols and formulae

Calculations

Interpretation of “it” and “them”

Errors carried forward

Phonetic spelling

Brackets

Ignore / insufficient / do not allow

Level of response marking instructions

Step 1 Determine a level

Step 2 Determine a mark

GCSE Physics (AQA 8463) Higher Tier Mark scheme Introduction The information provided for each question is intended to be a guide to the type of answers students may produce, but can be neither exhaustive nor prescriptive. Award marks according to your professional judgement for all appropriate responses. Disclaimer • These mark schemes and exemplar answer content are entirely the work of the question author and have not been produced by, reviewed by or endorsed by AQA. • Where marks are suggested and levels mapped to particular styles or features of answers, these are intended for guidance only and cannot reflect the full examination marking process, which involves moderation and alignment of level boundaries across a full, national student cohort that cannot be determined from a standalone product such as this set of Practice Papers. • Therefore, mark allocation, mark totals, suggested levels and overall assessments of performance as found in these Practice Papers and Mark Schemes represent only a limited guide to possible outcomes, and are not a reliable indicator of actual performance. GCSE Mark Scheme Physics Higher | Paper 1H Information for teachers 1. General The mark scheme for each question gives: • the marks available for each part of the question • the total marks available for the question • the correct answer or, if multiple correct answers are possible, a typical correct answer with variations • extra information to help with making decisions about how many marks to award • the Assessment Objective(s) from the GCSE Specification that the part question is intended to cover. The ‘extra information’ is aligned to the appropriate answer and is only intended for consideration with that particular part of the answer. 2. Marking of lists For question parts where a set number of responses is requested, all possible correct answers are stated. Each correct response should be awarded a mark as indicated, up to a maximum for the question part as stated on the question paper and as written in this marks scheme. If a student has provided more than the set number of responses requested, the principle to be followed is that ‘right + wrong = wrong’. Each error or contradictory response negates each correct response. If the number of errors and contradictions equals or exceeds the number of correct responses, no marks can be awarded for that part of the question. 3. Use of symbols and formulae If an accepted scientific symbol or formula is written instead of a required chemical name or unit, award full marks if the symbol or formula is correct and if, in the context of the question, the response is appropriate. 4. Calculations Award marks for each correctly completed stage of a calculation, as students are instructed to show their working. Full marks can be given for a correct numerical answer (including units), even though no working is shown. 5. Interpretation of ‘it’ and ‘them’ Answers using the word ‘it’ or ‘them’ should be awarded marks only if it is clear that the ‘it’or ‘them’ refers to the correct subject. 6. Errors carried forward An error in the answers to a structured question should be penalised once only. Allowances for errors carried forward are usually restricted to calculation questions. Where such allowances are permissible, the mark scheme includes a statement such as ‘allow ecf’. Physics Higher | Paper 1H 7. Phonetic spelling The phonetic spelling of correct scientific terminology should be awarded marks unless thereis a possible confusion with another technical term. 8. Brackets ( ) in this marks scheme indicates information that is not essential for a mark to be awarded, but is included to help you identify the sense of the required answer. 9. Ignore / insufficient / do not allow ‘Ignore’ or ‘insufficient’ are used in this marks scheme to indicate information that is irrelevant to the question or not enough to gain the mark. Furt

FAQs

What information does the mark scheme provide for each GCSE Physics question part?

It provides marks available for each part, total marks for the question, the correct answer (or typical correct answers), extra decision support, and the relevant Assessment Objective(s).

How are students’ answers marked when a question part requests a fixed number of responses?

All possible correct answers are listed and each earns the stated mark up to the maximum. If a student gives more than the requested number, the principle “right + wrong = wrong” applies, and no marks can be awarded if errors and contradictions equal or exceed correct responses.

How should teachers apply level of response marking?

Read the answer, annotate qualities being assessed, then start from the lowest level and move up the “ladder” until the descriptor best matches. Use a best-fit approach when evidence spans multiple levels, then determine the mark using descriptors and indicative/exemplar guidance.

Sep 5, 2026

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