Physics A Level

Applications Open - 1st November 2025

Applications Close - 15th December 2025

Entry Requirements - Candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 35 points from their best six GCSE subjects or equivalent (in the view of the School).

• Points will be on a 1-9 point scale, where Grade 1=1 and 2=2 etc.

• Candidates must also obtain at least a Grade 5 in English and Maths at GCSE or equivalent (in the view of the School).

Candidates must meet the specific requirements for each A Level course they wish to study as published in the 2025 Sixth Form Prospectus, which will be available on the website.

How to Apply - Do not apply through Kent Choices. Please apply via Cranbrook School Website using the following link: https://www.cranbrookschool.co.uk/admissions/sixth-form-admissions/

A-level Physics is an exploration into the world about us that builds upon interest and skills developed during the GCSE course. The AS course comprises the first half of the full A level. It provides a smooth progression from GCSE and largely develops topics already familiar to students, but pushes these ideas further and in new directions. We also venture into the field of Particle Physics, studying completely new ideas and touching gently on the weirdness of the quantum realm.

The remaining material in the A level course deals with a variety of unfamiliar and powerful ideas which increasingly look at the universe at its most fundamental level. There is some choice of study in the final section of the course that allows students to tailor their learning towards their intended career or areas of personal interest.

There is a significant intellectual jump from GCSE to A-level, but one which is quite exciting and satisfying to make. You will need to be organised in your studies and we will make you work hard, but a good grade in A level Physics opens up many options for your future.

AS Physics (studied in Year 12)

Particles and Radiation Mechanics and Materials

Waves Electricity

Additional material for A level Physics (studied in Year 13)

Fields Further Mechanics

Thermal Physics Nuclear Physics

Plus an optional topic chosen from: Astrophysics; Medical Physics; Engineering Physics; Electronics; or Turning Points in Physics.

Practical skills remain a key part of both the AS and A level Physics course and your understanding of practical skills and data analysis is assessed in the theory papers.

There is no coursework exam, but if you continue to A2 then your teacher must make a pass or fail assessment of your practical skills. This is certificated alongside your grade on the theory paper, and university entry requirements may include achieving the pass grade.

The Examiner expects 99% of students to gain the practical pass grade and this is readily achievable if you take a consistently organised approach to practical activities and reports.

Minimum Grade 6 in GCSE Physics and Grade 7 in GCSE Maths

A Level Physics students are equipped with skills and knowledge that transfer to a range of careers. You could choose to seek employment in a wide variety of areas such as engineering, medicine, forensics, sports science, geophysics, aeronautics, nanotechnology or research. If you intend to continue studying at university level, Physics A Level can lead to a host of degree courses such as photonics, engineering, architecture, mathematics, actuarial science, computing, medicine and a large variety of science related courses. Physics graduates are highly sought after in industry and in the financial world (physics is rocket science, after all.)