Physics A Level

Applications Open: - Friday 14 November 2025

Applications Close: - 13 February 2026. Applications may be considered after this date but it is strongly advised to apply before this deadline.

Entry Requirements: - Admission to courses - This is based on your needs and staff advice, but you should be aware of these points: 1. You will need to obtain a minimum of six GCSE passes at Level 5 or above including Mathematics and English (a minimum of a grade 5 in the reformed GCSE qualifications in English and Mathematics) and grades 9-6 in their preferred A-Level subjects or nearest equivalents. 2. Subjects have clear entry requirements. You will find these under the course details or from Subject Heads.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices (Internal and External Students)

External Applicants - please click here (This form is for external candidates and parents/carers to book a slot to ask any questions about the admissions process and Sixth Form at Highsted Grammar School). Please be aware that it is first come, first served. We will try our best to accommodate your preferences but this might not always be possible).

Internal candidates - should contact their Head of Year directly.

The study of Physics involves theories which attempt to describe the behaviour of everything from an atom to a super-giant star. It is often considered to be the most fundamental of sciences as it is the science that attempts to describe how the universe behaves. The technological advances which are continually changing the world in which we live in would not be possible without Physics research. For those who wish to be at the forefront of these developments, the study of Physics at A Level and University is necessary.

The specification we will be following is the AQA (A) Physics course. This is a progressive and modern A Level course which builds on the skills and knowledge the students developed in Years 10 and 11. The course rewards students for using their imagination, initiative and interest in learning. The course covers a diverse range of concepts including: particle physics; quantum phenomena; electricity; mechanics; fields and nuclear physics. Assessment is exam-based and will test both your recall of knowledge and ability to apply knowledge to a range of practical situations. There are 12 detailed and amended experiments carried out over two years. Students must complete 5 different competencies in this area of their studies. This involves researching, following methodology, data collection, reporting and referencing. These skills help students develop skills and knowledge and understanding of key concepts in Physics.

Entry to A Level requires students to have Physics GCSE at grade 7 or a grade 7 in the Physics 2 Trilogy examination. It should be emphasised that the course builds on knowledge acquired and understood during GCSE Physics / Additional Science at Key Stage 4.

Mathematical skills are of enormous benefit to A Level Physicists; although it is not requisite to take A Level Mathematics, grade 9 - 5 at GCSE is essential.