Physics

Exam Board: AQA

PLEASE NOTE: Lessons for this course are held at Meden College in nearby Market Warsop.

If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between then Physics may be the course for you!

Physics has long been thought of as the most fundamental of all sciences, with studies ranging in scale such as the huge studies into massive objects such as galaxies to studying the tiniest particles such as atoms.

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.

In the first year of the course, you will develop your GCSE understanding and develop a clear foundational introduction to this higher-level study. Subjects include atomic structure and subatomic particles, mechanics, waves, electricity and materials. Second year topics include further mechanics, thermal physics, nuclear physics and a physics option such as astrophysics, medical physics or engineering. Practical assessments are an integral part of the course and you will have the opportunity to develop your practical skills and learn how to problem solve and interpret data.

Assessment

3 exams (2 hours each)

Paper 1 – 60 marks of short/long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions

Paper 2 – 60 marks of short/long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions

Paper 3 – 45 marks of short/long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis

and 35 marks of short/long answer questions on optional topic.

Requirements

Our general entry requirements are that you will need a minimum of five Grade 5s or above in your GCSEs to study A-Levels including Maths & English.

To study A Level Physics you will need to achieve a grade 6 in GCSE Physics or if you have studied the combined paper, you will need to have achieved a 6,5 with the 6 in the Physics papers. You will also need a grade 6 in Maths to cope with the Maths content. Most pupils taking A Level Physics will also take A Level maths alongside of it and this is strongly recommended.

 

Where can it lead?

An A-Level in Physics is highly valued by universities. It can lead to careers in engineering, forensics, medicine, sports science, geophysics, aeronautics and nanotechnology.