Physics A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Physics at A Level is a challenging and thought provoking course about the nature of the universe, in which a good grade will distinguish you from the crowd. You will be further developing some of the core principles covered at GCSE such as forces and electricity as well as new areas such as quantum phenomena, gravitational fields and relativity.

Physics is the backbone of the Engineering industry, but is also highly regarded in other careers such as Medicine, Architecture, Computer Science, Music Technology, Finance and Law. The problem solving skills that you develop and the mathematical aptitude you achieve during the Physics course, make it a highly regarded subject.

Students study the new AQA syllabus Physics A Level. As part of the course, students will be given opportunities to use modern technology including data logging equipment and to participate in practical work to support the theory.

The subject is delivered by two teachers for each class. The department aims to provide support to the students taking the course through the use of regular weekly Physics clinics and revision sessions prior to exams.

For the 2 year A Level course:

Core Content

Measurements and their errors.

Particles & radiation.

Waves.

Mechanics and materials.

Electricity.

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics.

Fields and their consequences.

Nuclear Physics.

Turning Points in Physics.

The new A Level positively incorporates the use of practicals throughout the course which are tested in the third terminal exam. The two other theory papers use multiple choice, short and long answer questions.

Physics is a rewarding course that will help you in a great number of career paths as it has many transferable skills.

As above.

To study this course, you are expected to achieve a Grade 7 or higher in GCSE Physics, or a Grade 7 in Double Science with a Grade 7 in the Physics components. Also, at least Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English.

You could take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses such as Chemistry and Biology, which could lead onto Higher Education in a Science related subject, or more general Higher Education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to Physics such as Science Technician or Electronics Engineer. The course will also help you to develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.