This A level course aims to develop your interest and enthusiasm for Physics. The topics covered will inspire and nurture your passion, laying the groundwork for further study in science, engineering or applied mathematics.
You will develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works, such as the particles and processes involved in the Large Hadron Collider.
It is strongly recommended that A level Mathematics should be taken with this course.
Who is the course for?
Physics is considered to be one of the most challenging A level subjects, however, if a student is hard-working and self-motivated, it will prove to be a stimulating and rewarding course. Physics students will study the interactions between matter, space, time and energy from the smallest scale of sub-atomic particles to that of the entire universe.
It’s particularly suited to students who:
- Have strong mathematical skills and enjoy applying maths in real-world contexts.
- Are avid and resilient problem-solvers who are motivated by challenge and overcoming hurdles.
- Like to engage in deep thinking about concepts and the mechanisms which govern our Universe, applying them to explain and analyse a broad range of contexts.
- Are considering careers in science, engineering, medicine, architecture, computing, or finance.
If you’re motivated, methodical, and passionate about discovering how things work—from the quantum to the cosmic—then A-level Physics is for you.
Physics is considered to be one of the most challenging A level subjects, however, if a student is hard-working and self-motivated, it will prove to be a stimulating and rewarding course. Physics students will study the interactions between matter, space, time and energy from the smallest scale of sub-atomic particles to that of the entire universe.
It’s particularly suited to students who:
- Have strong mathematical skills and enjoy applying maths in real-world contexts.
- Are avid and resilient problem-solvers who are motivated by challenge and overcoming hurdles.
- Like to engage in deep thinking about concepts and the mechanisms which govern our Universe, applying them to explain and analyse a broad range of contexts.
- Are considering careers in science, engineering, medicine, architecture, computing, or finance.
If you’re motivated, methodical, and passionate about discovering how things work—from the quantum to the cosmic—then A-level Physics is for you.
Methods of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The course is tutored by well-qualified staff. The approach is active and practical wherever possible. There is a mix of individual and group work, with opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills with guidance from teachers. There is also an expectation that students will engage with problem-solving practice independently, seeking support regularly.
Methods of Assessment
The A level grade is entirely assessed by written examination at the end of the course.
Students will complete a range of practical activities; and the knowledge and understanding of these will also be assessed within the written exams. You will complete twelve required practical investigations in which you will provide evidence to achieve a practical endorsement alongside your A Level grade.
Over the course of the two years of teaching there will be regular Key Assessments to check on progress and identify where students need extra support to achieve their full potential.
The course is tutored by well-qualified staff. The approach is active and practical wherever possible. There is a mix of individual and group work, with opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills with guidance from teachers. There is also an expectation that students will engage with problem-solving practice independently, seeking support regularly.
Methods of Assessment
The A level grade is entirely assessed by written examination at the end of the course.
Students will complete a range of practical activities; and the knowledge and understanding of these will also be assessed within the written exams. You will complete twelve required practical investigations in which you will provide evidence to achieve a practical endorsement alongside your A Level grade.
Over the course of the two years of teaching there will be regular Key Assessments to check on progress and identify where students need extra support to achieve their full potential.
Enrichment
University masterclasses, visiting speakers, academic challenges (such as the Physics Olympiad) and work experience placements.
University masterclasses, visiting speakers, academic challenges (such as the Physics Olympiad) and work experience placements.
Course content:
Year 1
1
Measurements and their errors
2
Particles and radiation
3
Waves
4
Mechanics and materials
5
Electricity
Year 2
6
Further mechanics and thermal processes
7
Fields and their consequences
8
Nuclear Physics
9
Turning Points in Physics
For the full A level the 9 topics studied are assessed in three written exam papers each lasting 2 hours. Students will complete a range of practical activities and the knowledge and understanding of these will be assessed within the written exams.
Practical skills endorsement
Alongside the exam grade student certificates will also show if they have earned a Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail mark generated from a portfolio of practical work
Year 1
|
1 |
Measurements and their errors |
|
2 |
Particles and radiation |
|
3 |
Waves |
|
4 |
Mechanics and materials |
|
5 |
Electricity |
Year 2
|
6 |
Further mechanics and thermal processes |
|
7 |
Fields and their consequences |
|
8 |
Nuclear Physics |
|
9 |
Turning Points in Physics |
For the full A level the 9 topics studied are assessed in three written exam papers each lasting 2 hours. Students will complete a range of practical activities and the knowledge and understanding of these will be assessed within the written exams.
Practical skills endorsement
Alongside the exam grade student certificates will also show if they have earned a Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail mark generated from a portfolio of practical work
Resources and additional costs
Support for students is provided by the Learning Resource Centre and within the department, where there is access to a small physics library, the internet and a wide range of specialist physics apparatus. Students are encouraged to purchase a revision guide and past paper question packs (these are made available on the College website).
Charges
A charge may be made if external visits are arranged, these are optional.
Support for students is provided by the Learning Resource Centre and within the department, where there is access to a small physics library, the internet and a wide range of specialist physics apparatus. Students are encouraged to purchase a revision guide and past paper question packs (these are made available on the College website).
Charges
A charge may be made if external visits are arranged, these are optional.
Progression
An A level in Physics can be used as part of the entry requirement for many degree courses. The problem-solving, communication and mathematical skills required to achieve an A level in Physics make it an excellent qualification for a range of careers.
Typical careers include physics and astrophysics research, finance, mechanical engineer, aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, sound engineering, robotics engineering, weather forecaster, renewable energy (e.g. wind farm development and design), programming and medical physics including medicine etc.
An A level in Physics can be used as part of the entry requirement for many degree courses. The problem-solving, communication and mathematical skills required to achieve an A level in Physics make it an excellent qualification for a range of careers.
Typical careers include physics and astrophysics research, finance, mechanical engineer, aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, sound engineering, robotics engineering, weather forecaster, renewable energy (e.g. wind farm development and design), programming and medical physics including medicine etc.
Where can this course lead?
You might also be interested in
Physics has been added to My Courses
Loading...
