Physics A Level      

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE

• 6-6+ in Combined Science or 6 in Physics plus a 6 in another science

   

• 6+ in Maths

   

• 6+ in English Language or English Literature

   

• It is strongly recommended that Maths A level is taken alongside physics

 Plus the standard LaSWAP entry requirements for our A level pathway

YEAR 12 COURSE SPECIFICATION

In year 12 you will study 5 topics:

• Topic 1 Measurement and their errors
• Topic 2 Particles and radiation
• Topic 3 Waves
• Topic 4 Mechanics and materials
• Topic 5 Electricity

YEAR 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION

In year 13 you will study 5 topics:

• Topic 6 Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Topic 7 Fields
• Topic 8 Nuclear physics
• Topic 9 Thermodynamics

Plus one of the following topics:

• Option 1 Astrophysics
• Option 2 Medical physics
• Option 3 Engineering physics
• Option 4 Turning points in physics
• Option 5 Electronics

LEARNING AND SKILLS

STUDY SKILLS

• Make clear and careful notes
• Maintain high levels of organisation
• Track your progress against practical skills
• Record evidence of practical skills

PRACTICAL SKILLS

• Plan investigations
• Record results
• Analyse data
• Draw conclusions based on evidence

MATHS SKILLS

There are many maths skills you must be able to use. The following areas of maths will be used in the physics course.

• Arithmetic and numerical computation (including exponential and logarithmic problems)
• Data handling
• Algebra
• Graph work (including exponential and logarithmic problems)

EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT

EXAM BOARD: AQA

FUTURE PROSPECTS

An A level in physics is an excellent stepping stone to any science related degree courses, as well as other non-science based degrees. It will demonstrate an ability to deal with difficult concepts and creative problem solving skills.

Physics can be a required subject for many STEM courses at competitive universities.