PHYSICS AS/A LEVEL 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and there is scarcely a single area of modern life that is not affected by it. Learning Physics beyond GCSE is both challenging and exciting and will certainly broaden your horizons.

The AQA AS Level Physics course is comprised of five key physics topics.

CORE CONTENT

1. Measurements and their errors

2. Particles and radiation

3. Waves

4. Mechanics and materials

5. Electricity

The AQA A Level Physics course is comprised of eight key topics alongside one chosen optional topic.

CORE CONTENT

Measurements and their errors

Particles and radiation

Waves

Mechanics and materials

Electricity

Further mechanics and thermal physics

Fields and their consequences

Nuclear physics

OPTIONAL TOPICS

Astrophysics

Medical physics

Engineering physics

Turning points in physics

Electronics

Topics such as Mechanics, Waves and Electricity go on to develop ideas already seen at GCSE. Other new topics such as Particle Physics deal with more recent developments in Physics, and are essential for understanding the very nature of matter itself.

Theoretical work and problem-solving exercises are supported by practical work. Students will perform a number of standard experiments in order to improve their planning and practical ability. Skills in data analysis will also be developed in order to make sense of experimental results.

Assessment will be made by way of two externally marked examinations, both of which include aspects of practical work and data analysis.

In order to study Physics at AS/A Level, you must achieve a grade 7 or above at GCSE Physics or Combined Science. It is not an essential requirement to study A Level Mathematics (although highly recommended) and it is preferred that you achieve at least a grade 7 in Mathematics at GCSE.

• The minimum requirement is three 6 grades and three others at a 5 grade

• At least a grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics

• You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

• To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

• To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

• Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

• For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

• Short Courses count as half a GCSE

• You will need a positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

• Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and your school community

The analytical and problem-solving skills developed in a Physics course are highly valued by prospective employers and Physicists are always in demand in many diverse and stimulating areas of employment.

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408/spec-at-a-glance