Physics

A LEVEL PHYSICS

Who is this course for?

This two-year course is designed for students who want to take their existing understanding of Physics and go further. It is articulated for a seamless transition from GCSE Physics. The course covers a range of topics. As well students also study an optional topic which is determined at the beginning of Year 13. The topic is chosen from astrophysics; medical physics, engineering physics, history of physics or electronics. Students are challenged to take their existing understanding of the topics and go deeper by considering new implications and situations, and to further develop their laboratory techniques by developing and carrying out a range of practical experiments.

Course Details

The A-Level Physics course requires the study of the following core content:

Core Content for A-Level

• Measurement and Error • Electricity • Particles and Radiation • Thermal physics • Waves • Fields • Mechanics and Materials • Nuclear Physics

Assessment

COMPONENT FORMAT DURATION WEIGHTING

Paper 1 Written exam, 85 marks, 60 marks short and 2 hours 34% Sections 1 – 5 and long answer and 25 multiple choice and 6.1 Paper 2 Sections 6.2 Written exam, 85 marks, 60 marks short and 2 hours 34% and 7 and 8 long answer and 25 multiple choice Paper 3 Written exam, 45 marks short and long 2 hours 32% Section A and answer on practical experiments and data analysis Option topic 35 marks short and long answer on optional topic

Career Opportunities

Physics is a useful qualification for a wide range of science orientated university courses and careers. The skills developed on the course, such as the ability to analyse and evaluate situations mathematically and laboratory techniques, will ensure students have acquired valuable skills for application in the laboratory and classroom.