Physics A Level

Queen Elizabeths Grammar School

Abbey Place, FAVERSHAM, ME13 7BQ

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Queen Elizabeths Grammar School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

<p>There will be a charge for trips and visits etc. The text books cost around £25 for each year of the course.</p>

Please contact the provider directly to apply for this course.

Application Instructions

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY.

Entry Requirements - Please follow the link and download our Options Guide to view the entry requirements for Sixth Form and individual subjects https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/thinking-about-joining-queen-elizabeths-grammar-school-for-sixth-form/

How to Apply -

Internals - Google Form - Speak to Mr Cowlam or Mrs Gossling

Externals - Through Kent Choices

https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/applying-to-the-sixth-form/

You must select a minimum AND maximum of 5 subject choices:

Option A - 3 main subject choices* + an enhancement subject choice** + a reserve subject choice***

Option B - 4 main subject choices + a reserve subject choice

*a main subject choice is a full A Level subject e.g Mathematics/Geography/Physics/German etc
** an enhancement subject choice is either EPQ, Maths in Context or Trinity Acting Exams
***a reserve choice can be either a full A Level or another enhancement option

Course Summary

Physics

A Level

EDEXCEL Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physics

The Physics course allows for study by concept-led and context-led approaches and we will be using a combination of both approaches in order to give students a good general foundation in the principles that form the basis of our understanding of the universe.

Course Details

Skills that will be developed

Numeracy, Communication, ICT, Improving own learning and performance, Problem solving, Working with others, Practical skills, Skills related to ‘How Science works’

What will you learn?

Unit 1:

Working as a Physicist

Mechanics

Electric Circuits

Further Mechanics

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Nuclear and Particle Physics

Unit 2:

Materials

Waves and Particle Nature of Light

Thermodynamics

Space

Nuclear Radiation

Gravitational Fields

Oscillations

Enrichment opportunities

As an A-level physicist you will be entered for the British physics Olympiad AS challenge in year 12 and the main competition in year 13. A chance to show off your problem solving skills and essential training ground for physical sciences at top universities. You would also be expected to work beyond the syllabus, in a research group as part of the Queen Elizabeth’s Science and Technology Society, QuEST, or being involved with mentoring younger students during support or enrichment sessions. We have numerous trips and visiting speakers, including to CERN, and partnership projects with universities and industry.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

There will be examinations on each of the above units, as well as an overarching examination that brings all the topics covered together. Students will also be assessed separately for a ‘Science Practical Endorsement’. The Endorsement will not contribute to the overall grade for this qualification, but the result will be recorded on the student’s certificate.

Entry requirements

You must achieve a grade 6 or better in Physics GCSE. If Combined Science has been studied then you must achieve a grade 76 or better. You must also have achieved at least a grade 6 in Mathematics GCSE (however, a grade 7 or higher is highly recommended).

Your next steps...

What happens when you have finished?

Opting to study Physics at A level will enable you to study a wide variety of subjects in Higher Education - indeed graduates of physics and materials science are amongst the highest paid graduates (if that’s what is important to you) given how many go into energy, engineering, consulting and financial services. Physics is hugely beneficial for a whole range of careers, from the arts to law, film, media and literature as well as music - and of course, science-based industries. The course will also help you develop the critical thinking skills, mathematical fluency, conceptual understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries and sectors are looking for.

Additional information

http://www.edexcel.org.uk

For more courses like this, check our courses page.