This physics course aims to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other. Students will develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods, and develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills. The course aims to develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.

• Y12 Topics: Development of practical skills, physical quantities and units, motion, forces, energy, materials, electrical circuits, waves, quantum physics.
• Y13 Topics: Thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational fields, electromagnetism, astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear and particle physics, medical imaging.

Much of the course is teacher led but students will also carry out a variety of practical tasks, group investigations, independent research and presentations. Students’ independent study will focus on consolidation of the work covered through a range of review, extension and preparation tasks set by staff.

The exams are as follows

Modelling Physics; assesses all the Year 12 work and one module from Year 13, makes up 37% of the A level
Exploring Physics; assesses all the Year 12 work and the other module from Year 13, makes up 37% of the A level
Unified Physics; assesses all the work from the two years, makes up 26% of the A level

A level practical endorsement; requires students to have carried out a minimum of 12 practical activities, gaining a grade of a ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ separate to the exam. In addition to this, understanding of practical skills will be tested in the exams and make up 15% of the marks.

Please refer to our entry requirements document.

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 Level Physics will still be highly regarded.