Physics A level

A LEVEL AND LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS

To gain a place on this course students will ideally have at least grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics and at least three other GCSEs, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications, at grade 5 or above. Some subjects also have additional entry requirements.

All students are to choose 3 subjects from 3 different blocks. Further Mathematics may be taken as a fourth choice.

LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS

Subjects have individual entry requirements.

Students only need to apply for either Bricklaying or Hairdressing.

PHYSICS

Physics A-level builds upon and develops your knowledge from GCSE with further study of familiar topics such as forces, particles, waves, energy and electricity. You will also study completely new areas of physics including quantum physics, astrophysics, cosmology and medical imaging.

The content is split into six modules, and combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitutes the full A Level. The modules can be summarised as:

Module1: Development of practical

Module 2: Foundations of Physics

Module 3: Forces and Motions

Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons

Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics

Module 6: Particles and medical physics

The Practical Endorsement is reported separately as a Pass/Fail. It is a requirement for students to show competence in practical skills in a physics context. They will complete a series of practical activities over two years to gain a pass.

We follow the OCR Physics A specification with students sitting three exams at the end of year 13 as follows:

Paper 1 Modelling physics assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 and includes multiple choice, short and long answer questions. It constitutes 37% of the A-level.

Paper 2 Exploring physics assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 and includes multiple choice, short and long answer questions. It constitutes 37% of the A-level.

Paper 3 Unified physics assesses the content from all modules and includes short and long answer questions. It constitutes 26% of the A-level.

The Practical Endorsement is reported separately as a Pass/Fail and students must complete a portfolio of practical work over the two years of study in order to gain a pass.

Questions assessing practical skills feature in all three papers.

Student progress is regularly monitored throughout the course with a mix of assessments, topic tests and mock examinations.

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 6 in Physics or 6-6 in Combined Science, and Grade 6 in Mathematics

Future Applications

A-level Physics, in combination with Maths, is required for entry to higher education courses in the Physical Sciences and Engineering. Degrees in these subjects can, lead to a wide range of careers in areas that include Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Materials Technology, Forensic Science, Engineering, Meteorology and Medical Physics. Physics A-Level is also good for intended careers in Medicine, Mathematics and Computing.