Senior Phase

Advanced Higher Mechanics

Mathematical physics for future engineers. Advanced Higher Mechanics applies calculus to motion, forces and energy, with a substantial project element in many centres.

SCQF Level 7 Updated for the 2026 session PDF downloads

Course Outline - Past Papers and Revision for assessment Everything for Advanced Higher Mechanics in three sections: outline, past papers and practice assessments. Open resources

Course outline

What is taught, how it is assessed, and what pupils should be able to do by the end.

Mechanics is one of the most applied courses we teach: every technique is used to answer a physical question. It pairs naturally with Advanced Higher Mathematics and Physics, and is strongly recommended for pupils considering engineering. The mathematics is demanding but the context makes it concrete.

Topics covered

KinematicsCalculus-based motion, displacement, velocity and acceleration in one and two dimensions.
Dynamics and forcesNewton's laws, friction, connected particles and resultant forces.
ProjectilesMotion under gravity, range, time of flight and trajectories.
Circular motionAngular velocity, centripetal force and motion in a vertical circle.
Energy and momentumConservation laws, work and power, impulse and collisions.
Applied problem solvingModelling real situations and justifying assumptions made.

How this course is assessed

Question paper — 3 hours, externally marked by the SQA.
Project or investigation component, depending on the SQA course arrangement.
Prelim-style assessment in January/February.
Regular problem sets marked with written feedback.

Downloads

Course outlines are reviewed each August. If a topic differs from what your child is being taught, speak to their teacher — the class plan always takes precedence.

Past papers

Real papers and official marking instructions, ordered newest first.

Past papers are the most effective revision tool there is — but only when they are marked honestly. Print the paper, work it in one sitting under timed conditions, then mark it against the scheme and write down every question type that cost marks. Bring that list to your teacher.

Past papers and marking instructions are produced by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and reproduced here for pupils at Madras High School. Always check the SQA website for the current specification.

Practice assessments

Written by our own teachers for the assessment your child is about to sit.

These are not random worksheets. Each practice assessment mirrors the format, length and mark distribution of the forthcoming classroom assessment, so pupils know exactly what to expect — including the questions that are designed to be difficult.

Answer booklets are included for every practice assessment. Attempt the paper first — the value is in the attempt, not the answer sheet.

Key dates for this course

Assessments, prelims and parents' evenings. Provisional — confirmed by the school.

Oct 2026Course start and project planning
Dec 2026Senior Phase parents' evening
Jan 2027Prelim-style assessment
Mar 2027Final revision block begins
May 2027SQA examination diet