South Wilts Grammar School for Girls

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A Level Physics

What does the course involve?

The course builds on knowledge, understanding and skills required in the programme of study required for GCSE science. The specification requires students to develop their abilities in Physics in order to apply them to situations in the real world – from how sunglasses work to why we use broadband or even to quantum physics in cookery!

The OCR A Specification is divided into six modules as follows:

• Three modules at AS: Mechanics
• Electrons, Waves and Photons
• Practical Skills Unit
• Three modules at A2: Newtonian World
• Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics
• Practical Skills Unit

How will you learn?

Much of the course is taught but students will also carry out practical work, exam questions and presentations.

Practical Assessment

The practical skills are carried out and assessed in school. This consists of:

• A qualitative practical task of carrying out an experiment, measuring and analysing your result
• A quantative task of making observations and drawing conclusions from an experiment and
• An evaluative task evaluating data supplied by the exam board.

What exams and coursework are involved?

What are the entry requirements?

A minimum of grade Bs in Science GCSEs, a grade B in GCSE Physics and a grade B in GCSE Mathematics. It is useful to take Mathematics at AS or A2 Level but not essential. Please not that GCSE Applied Science is not suitable for entry to Science A level.

What could you do after completing the course?

Physics is valuable for a wide range of careers including Communications, Medicine, Medical Physics, Sound Technology, Aerospace, Astronomy, Engineering, Meteorology, Scientific Journalism, Scientific Research, Financial Modelling, Materials and Food Science. If you do not eventually enter a physics based career, you may be sure that your qualification in A/AS Level Physics will still be highly regarded.