Physics
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“The study of physics is also an adventure. You will find it challenging, sometimes frustrating, occasionally painful, and often richly rewarding.” - Hugh D. Young |
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Physics A-level builds upon and develops you knowledge from GCSE with further study of familiar topics such as forces, particles, waves, energy and electricity. You will also study completely new areas of physics including quantum physics, astrophysics, cosmology and medical imaging.
The content is split into six modules, and combined with the Practical Endorsement constitutes the full A-level. The modules can be summarised as follows:
Module 1: Development of practical skills
Module 2: Foundations of Physics
Module 3: Forces and Motions
Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons
Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics
Module 6: Particles and medical physics
Entry Requirement
A minimum of grade 4 in Maths and English Lang plus at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 5
Subject Specific Requirements
Grade 6 in Physics /Combined Science and Grade 6 in Maths
Assessment
We follow the OCR Physics A specification with students sitting three exams at the end of year 13 as follows:
Paper 1 Modelling physics assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 and includes multiple choice, short and long answer questions. It constitutes 37% of the A-level.
Paper 2 Exploring physics assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 and includes multiple choice, short and long answer questions. It constitutes 37% of the A-level.
Paper 3 Unified physics assesses the content from all modules and includes short and long answer questions. It constitutes 26% of the A-level.
The Practical Endorsement is reported separately as a Pass/Fail and students must complete a portfolio of practical work over the two years of study in order to gain a pass.
Questions assessing practical skills feature in all three papers.
Student progress is regularly monitored throughout the course with a mix of assessments, topic tests and mock examinations.
Future Applications
A-level Physics, in combination with Maths, is required for entry to higher education courses in the Physical Sciences and Engineering. Degrees in these subjects can, lead to a wide range of careers in areas that include Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Materials Technology,
Forensic Science, Engineering, Meteorology and Medical Physics. Physics A-Level is also good for intended careers in Medicine, Mathematics and Computing.
Alumni
Marcus, Grade A*, Physics, UCL; Callum, Grade A*, Computer Science, Nottingham University; Kieran, Grade B, Mechanical Engineering, Leicester University; Dylan, Grade A, Automotive Engineering, Loughborough University