A-Level Physics

Course Entry Requirements:

A grade 6 in GCSE Physics or 6/6 in Combined Science and a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics

General Course Description:

Physics has long been thought of as the most fundamental of all sciences, with studies ranging in scale from the huge studies into massive objects, such as galaxies, to the tiniest objects such as sub-atomic particles. A-Level Physics is the study into everything and how it works; full of exciting questions and opportunities to prove theories that are still in doubt. For example, any question about why something happens, or how it works can be studied and/or proven by a physicist. Students of A-Level Physics will develop the ability to recognise, recall and show understanding of specific physics facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical ability. Problem solving skills will also develop beyond all recognition.

A-Level Physics will teach students the basic principles of the science, giving them a huge range of knowledge into the guiding forces of the universe. Then forces can be applied to the motion of all objects, for example electrons, athletes, machines, animals and even plants! As the course progresses, students will be exposed to important laws and theories, such as Newton’s Theory of Gravitation, Faraday’s Law of

electromagnetic Induction and Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity.

UNITS

First year of A Level

1.     Measurements and their errors, including use of SI units and their prefixes, limitations of physical measurement, estimation of physical quantities

2.     Particles and radiation, including constituents of the atom, particle interactions, collisions of electrons with atoms 

3.     Waves, including progressive waves, interference, diffraction

4.     Mechanics and energy, including projectile motion, Newton’s laws of motion

5.     Electricity, including current/voltage characteristics, circuits, electromotive force and internal resistance

Second year of A-level

6.     Further mechanics and thermal physics, including periodic motion, thermal energy transfer, molecular kinetic theory model

7.     Fields, including Newton’s law of gravitation, orbits of planets and satellites, magnetic flux density

8.     Nuclear physics, including evidence for the nucleus, radioactive decay, nuclear instability

Our chosen module is:

• Turning points in physics, including discovery of the electron, Einstein’s theory of special relativity

The assessment regime has now changed, and no longer will any exams taken at the end of Year 12 count toward the final A-Level result. Instead, three exam papers will be taken at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1 will consist of Topics 1 to 5; Paper 2 will consist of Topics 6 to 8 and Paper 3 will test the students Practical Skills, Data Analysis.

Board: AQA

Career Pathways:

A level Physics will open the door for many careers, for example: Civil Engineering, Aeronautics, Automotive Engineering and Design, Materials Science, Physics, Architecture, Medicine, and many others. A-Level Physics is often a requirement for many degree courses and highly valued as a facilitating qualification by the Russell Group Universities. Doing Physics A-Level will be challenging, but will also give you a sense of satisfaction as you take on the challenge. 80% of Physics is how you approach it. If you enjoy Physics at GCSE, you should seriously think of doing it at A level.