A Level Physics

Physics attempts to explore and explain the ‘why’ of the physical world around us; we study the behaviour of gases, of atoms, and of electrons, of planes, trains and automobiles. We study the planet Earth and beyond; we ask why the planets and stars and galaxies and the whole universe is the way it is.

The theories that physicists have come up with are all built on measurement and mathematics. You will finish your A level Physics course with skills practical skills of measurement and sensing; you will develop logical and critical analysis; you will learn how to use mathematics to model the real world.

Your physics skills might take you into research – there are very many small and some very big questions that we can’t yet understand. You might use classical or quantum physics as an engineer, constructing large engineering projects such as dams, power-stations or bridges, developing microscopic materials on a nano-technological scale, or working on a future Mars mission. Or you may find that the critical thinking and mathematical models of physics lead you into project management or mathematical modelling of complex phenomena such as weather or economies.

The course we offer is highly practical based with the aim of developing a rigorous mathematical analysis of the aspects of the world we look at. We will develop your understanding of forces and motion – linking our observations and measurements with the differential and integral calculus you will be learning in maths. Our learning on radioactivity and on wave motion links directly with solutions to classic differential equations. We will use mathematical models to see the underlying similarities between electrical and gravitational forces.

Underpinning our whole approach to physics is that asking, and trying to answer ‘I wonder why…’ is great fun.

In order to receive an invite to the aptitude test students must be predicted seven GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including

GCSE Maths grade 8 or 9

GCSE Combined Science 8-8 or higher or separate science grade 8 or higher in Physics

GCSE English grade 5 or higher