Physics is a fascinating, challenging, creative and thought-provoking subject. Our belief is that Physics is a fundamentally an experimental and problem-solving subject with a wide range of applications. Students are provided with numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, equipping them with the essential practical skills they need.
Key Stage 5 – Years 12/13
What will I Study?
We follow the AQA Physics course and use a wide variety of approaches to deliver subject content – lectures, videos and practicals. Independent study is also hugely important. Students will be expected to give their own presentations on selected areas of the syllabus. There may also be the opportunity to attend external lectures.
The topics studied are:
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further mechanics and thermal physics (A-level only)
- Fields and their consequences (A-level only)
- Nuclear physics (A-level only) and one of the following options
- Astrophysics
- Medical physics
- Turning points in physics
How will I be assessed?
There are 12 basic practical skills which will be covered over the two years, which will be tested in the examination papers. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain a certificate of Practical Endorsement which is required by some universities and courses.
AS
There are 2 papers, worth 70 marks, which assess content from modules 1- 4, including practical skills.
A-level
Paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes) assesses content from modules 1 to 5 and 6.1, including practical skills and is worth 34% of the A-level.
Paper 2 (2 hours minutes)) assesses content from modules 6.2, 7 and 8, including practical skills and is worth 34% of the A-level.
Paper 3 (2 hours) assesses content from the option module, practical skills and data analysis and is worth 32% of the A-level
The papers contain a mixture of multiple choice, structured questions and extended response questions, covering theory and practical skills
Future opportunities
Employers today actively seek out people who can prove their ability to think logically, understand complex ideas and apply them to the real world. Physics can give you the edge in science, the media, education, business or a host of other fields. Physics is a highly valued A-level by universities and employers. It is essential for most engineering degrees.
Combinations
Physics goes particularly well with all other sciences and Mathematics, but it can also provide a useful combination with any subject. Physics is very useful in medical applications. Combinations including Mathematics and Economics are also desirable for university finance courses. Physics and Mathematics A level are essential requirements for studying physics and engineering subjects at university level.
