Physics
Waterfront UTC
South Side Three Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4FQ
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
Applications Open: 9th October 2025
How to Apply:
Internal students - Apply via Applicaa using this link - https://waterfront.applicaa.com/year12-20262027
External students - Apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.
Course Summary
The aims and objectives of the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physics are to enable students to develop:
● essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
● a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
● competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
● their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
● an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
Course Details
Paper 1: Advanced Physics I
• Working as a Physicist
● Mechanics
● Electric Circuits
● Further Mechanics
● Electric and Magnetic Fields
● Nuclear and Particle Physics
Paper 2: Advanced Physics II
• Working as a Physicist
• Materials
• Waves and Particle Nature of Light
• Thermodynamics
• Space
• Nuclear Radiation
• Gravitational Fields
• Oscillations
Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics
Questions in this paper may draw on any of the topics in this specification.
● The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics.
● The paper will include questions that assess conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods (indirect practical skills) that will draw on students’ experiences of the core practicals.
Science Practical Endorsement
The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course of study for A level physics. It will appear on all students’ certificates as a separately reported result, alongside the overall grade for the qualification.
Students must carry out a minimum of 12 practical activities which, together, meet the requirements of 'Practical skills identified for direct assessment and developed through teaching and learning' and 'Use of apparatus and techniques' from the prescribed subject content.
The practical activities prescribed in this specification (the "core practicals") provide opportunities for demonstrating competence in all the skills identified, together with the use of apparatus and techniques for each subject. However, students can also demonstrate these competencies in any additional practical activity undertaken throughout the course of study which covers the requirements of Appendix 5c.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physics consists of three externally examined papers and the Science Practical Endorsement.
Students must complete all assessments in May/June in any single year.
Paper 1: Advanced Physics I
Paper 2: Advanced Physics II
Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics
Entry requirements
x5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 - including Mathematics and English with a minimum of a Grade 6 in Science
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