Physics (A Level)

We are all born with the urge to understand the world around us. One of the first words we learn to say is ‘Why?’ and then, a little later ‘How?’ So you have probably asked in your time ‘Why is the sky blue?’, ‘How does a mobile phone work?’, ‘How does the Sun keep on shining?’, ‘What is dark matter?’ amongst other questions. If you find that the more answers you are given, the more questions you want to ask, then you could well be a physicist in the making and you should certainly consider studying Physics at A Level. Physics opens doors to a wider range of careers than almost any other subject. So if you are ambitious, if you enjoy a challenge and solving problems, Physics could be the right choice for you.

What you will learn

How to take an inquisitive look at the world and apply the scientific method to fundamentally explain how things work. Physics is both theoretical and experimental and we use both processes to make sense of observations we make.

How you will learn

Through a series of taught lessons and investigative practicals we look to explore and explain the world around you. Taking as much of a practical approach as possible we aim to allow pupils to experience the physics that we teach. Pupils are asked to question findings and understand scientific principals and working. When not in lessons pupils will be asked to undertake reading and research to build upon their knowledge and put this into practice through answering questions.

Year 1

Mechanics: Forces in equilibrium, Projectile motion, Newtons laws of Motion, Momentum and Forces, Energy, Materials

• Waves: Wave properties, Optics
• Electricity: Electrical current, DC circuits
• Particle physics: Matter and Radiation, Quarks and leptons, Quantum phenomena

Year 2

• Further Mechanics: Circular motion, SHM.
• Fields: Magnetic, electrical, gravitational, Capacitors, Electro magnetic induction
• Thermal Physics : kinetic theory, Gas Laws
• Nuclear physics: Radioactivity, Nuclear energy, Astrophysics (option Unit)

Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering physics, Turning points in physics or Electronics (option Units available)

Assessment 1. Paper 1, written examination, 2 hours, 34% of final grade.

60 mark question from Chapter 1-5 and 25 multiple choice questions based around: Measurements and their errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials and electricity

Assessment 2. Paper 2, written examination, 2 hours, 34% of final grade.

60 mark questions from chapter 6-8 and 25 multiple choice questions based around: Further mechanics and thermal physics, fields and their consequences and nuclear physics

Assessment 3. Paper 3, written examination, 2 hours, 32% of final grade.

45 marks on practical experiments and data analysis and 35 marks on option topic

Options topics : Either; Astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics, turning points in physics or electronics

College basic entry requirements

• If studying separate sciences: Grade 6 in GCSE Biology and a Grade 6 in GCSE Physics or Chemistry and a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
• If studying combined science Grades 6-6 in Combined Science and a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics

Where Next?

Physics provides a route into many careers and university courses. A level Physics is required to study physics, engineering, aeronautics and astronomy and is highly valued by most other courses. Physics provides an entry into a wide range of industries: IT, manufacturing, agriculture, energy production, communications, medicine, broadcasting, sport, finance, marketing, robotics and business. Few other subjects offer such a wealth of employment possibilities. Indeed, Physics is relevant to almost every job

Course Combinations

The course combines well with several A Level subjects including Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Psychology, PE and Design Technology.