Physics AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: AQA

Physics is a highly regarded and respected subject at A Level. It stimulates and challenges while developing skills in logical thought and mathematical rigour. The subject is valued by universities who rate it as a core facilitating subject, and it is either required or very helpful for many university degrees.

The course is designed to form strong scientific investigative skills while introducing pupils to the wonderful world of Advanced Physics. Practical work is a key part of the course but there are no controlled assessments. Studying A Level Mathematics is not a requirement, but candidates are advised to study Mathematics in order to access the many Physics and Engineering courses at university.

Most people these days have many careers during their working life. Having Physics will allow you a clear entry to many existing professions, as well as many industries of the future which will be driven by advanced technology and robotics. With Physics you could be designing the technology of the future rather than being replaced by it, and you can expect to be in high demand in future years.

A LEVEL CONTENT AND EXAMINATION

The A Level qualification is made up of the 3 papers below, which test the whole of the syllabus taught in the Lower and Upper Sixth.

PAPER 1: 2 hour paper

Particle Physics introduces pupils to the fundamental properties and nature of Matter, Radiation and Quantum Phenomena. In contrast, the study of Electricity builds on and develops previous GCSE studies and provides opportunities for practical. Mechanics starts with Vectors and then develops knowledge and understanding of Forces and Energy from GCSE. Materials are considered, including Tensile Strength and Density. Waves are studied in depth including Refraction, Diffraction, Superposition and Interference. Further Mechanics considers Momentum and introduces Circular and Oscillatory Motion.

WEIGHTING 34%

PAPER 2: 2 hour paper

The first part looks at Thermal Physics of Materials, and the Properties and Nature of Gases are then studied in depth. Gravitational, Electric and Magnetic Fields are covered, together with Electromagnetic Induction, the Transmission of Electricity and the Use of Capacitors. The final section looks at the Characteristics of the Nucleus, the Properties of Unstable Nuclei and how energy is obtained from the nucleus with Fission and Fusion.

WEIGHTING 34%

PAPER 3: 2 hour paper

Practical skills, data analysis and an option.

The practical questions in the paper replace the old controlled assessment.

The options include Astrophysics, Medical Physics and Turning Points in Physics. The department’s preferred option is Turning Points in Physics.

WEIGHTING 32%

*Also offered as an AS Level, spaces permitting

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses such as Chemistry and Biology or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Physics, which could lead onto higher education in a science related subject or more general higher education courses. It is useful for pupils considering a future in medicine or veterinary science, as we teach the Medical Physics option. If entering higher education, pupils will find A Level Physics a useful qualification for entry into any degree course – especially in any scientific or engineering discipline. Physics is as useful to a vet or doctor as to an information scientist or to a genetic engineer. When finally leaving education, a degree in Physics or a related subject is the key to many careers, not just as a scientist. Physicists may be found in merchant banking, accountancy and as lawyers. A numerate and logical graduate is always highly sought after. With further training, you could go into a job related to Physics such as Science Technology or Electronics Engineering. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.