About
How it works
Physics Diagnostic identifies patterns in your answers and the misconceptions those patterns most likely reveal. It is a teaching tool: results indicate where understanding may be insecure, rather than predicting an examination grade.
Choose the right diagnostic
There are currently 16 diagnostics: 6 for A Level Physics and 10 for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics. The A Level readiness diagnostic is exam board neutral. The International GCSE section includes Paper 1, Paper 2 and all eight specification topics.
Every diagnostic contains 20 original multiple choice questions across its relevant reporting areas. Each question records its subtopic, skill type, difficulty, correct answer and any misconception revealed by a plausible wrong answer.
Wrong answers are mapped, not guessed
A named misconception appears only when you select the particular answer that reveals it. Nothing is generated from free text, and the same underlying answers always produce the same score and diagnosis.
Answer choices are displayed in a stable mixed order. Their position does not affect scoring, and returning to a question will not move them.
Adaptive checks investigate the cause
In the International GCSE diagnostics, an incorrect or ambiguous initial response can trigger up to three short checks. The selected distractor determines whether the first probe isolates the concept, calculation or unfamiliar application. A correct probe ends the branch, while repeated difficulty adds stronger evidence.
Behind the scenes, evidence is classed as possible, supported or strong. An isolated error followed by a secure targeted check is not automatically assigned for reteaching. Confirmed priorities receive a later three-stage follow-up pathway; secure results receive an extension challenge.
Results guide the next lesson
The pupil review is deliberately concise: an overall score, the key ideas to revisit and only the questions answered incorrectly, with clear corrections. It then moves straight into a short personalised follow-up.
Class-code attempts also feed the teacher dashboard, where staff retain the full subskill, misconception and next-step analysis. Standalone attempts and follow-up progress remain in this browser.
What the result cannot show
Twenty multiple choice questions cannot fully assess extended written explanations, hands-on practical technique or examination timing. Use the report as the starting point for teaching, discussion and later retrieval practice, not as a formal grade prediction.