Physics

Requirements

Grades 7 to 9 in GCSE Physics and Mathematics are very strongly advised.

The A Level Physics qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills that students have developed in GCSE Science. Numeracy, mathematical skills and communication are also important in Physics so students will need to be able to communicate effectively, be able to research and think critically about problems. Students will learn theory and develop relevant practical skills throughout the course.

Combining Physics A Level with Mathematics is particularly desirable. A Level Physics aims for students to: n Sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, physics;

n Develop essential knowledge and understanding in physics; n Develop the skills needed for the use of this knowledge and understanding in new and changing situations;

n Develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment;

n Appreciate how physics has developed and is used in present day society; n Show how physics links with social, philosophical, economic, industrial and environmental matters; n Bring together knowledge of ways in which different areas of physics relate to each other; n Study how scientific models develop.

A Level Physics is suitable for students who:

n Have an interest in, and enjoy physics; n Want to find out about how things in the physical world work;

n Enjoy applying their mind to solving problems; n Enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative, logical thinking; n Want to use physics to support other qualifications or progress to further studies or employment; n Are taking A Levels in other sciences and/or mathematics or other relevant courses such as design and technology and want to take another course that will support those studies.

In addition to lessons taught throughout the course, work is set on a regular basis and involves reading, notemaking and problem-solving. Practical work is carried out most weeks and the practical course is arranged so that students become familiar with a wide range of experimental techniques. There is ample opportunity to prepare for the practical tests. Optional classes are held from time to time for those who wish to pursue more advanced work in the subject, perhaps with a view to Oxbridge Entrance, or participating in the British Physics Olympiad. Assistance is available throughout the course with individual tuition to help with problems.

Form of Examination and Course Content Core content

n Measurements and their errors; n Particles and radiation; n Waves; n Mechanics and materials; n Electricity; n Further mechanics and thermal physics; n Fields and their consequences; n Nuclear physics.

PHYSICS

Options

Student then continue to study the Turning Points in Physics as the optional unit.

Assessments

Paper 1 What’s assessed:

Sections 1 to 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion)

Assessment:

n written exam: 2 hours n 85 marks n 34% of A Level

Questions:

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 2 What’s assessed:

Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8

Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1

Assessment:

n written exam: 2 hours n 85 marks n 34% of A Level

Questions:

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 3 What’s assessed:

Section A: Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis. Section B: Students enter for one of the optional section (Turning Points in Physics).

Assessment:

n written exam: 2 hours n 80 marks n 32% of A Level

Questions:

45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis. 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

Careers

Physics leads on to a wide range of courses and careers. Students could go on to use physics to support other qualifications, or progress on to further studies or employment. This could be: n From a Higher National programme (HNC or HND to degree level); n Courses ranging from physics, the sciences or medicine to engineering, chemical engineering or related programmes; n Employment in the area of administration, aerospace, agriculture, biotechnology, the civil service, the coal, gas or oil industries, consultancy, electronics, engineering, law, medicine, radiography, research, scientific journalism, teaching, technological innovation, telecommunications and many others.

In fact, A Level Physics is recognised as an entry qualification for a wide range of higher education courses and employment. If a career is chosen, which in the end has no connection with Physics, the ideas and principles will always help to make better sense of the everyday world and of the scientific information that affects everyday life.