Physics

Course details

AS Level:
• Particles and Radiation
• Waves
• Mechanics and Materials
• Electricity
• Practical Skills and Data Handling

During the year you will complete 6 practical investigations which will be examined during the summer exams.

A Level:
All of the AS content and:
• Further Mechanics
• Thermal Physics
• Fields and their Consequences
• Nuclear Physics
• An option topic (Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics, Electronics)

You will usually have 10 lessons per fortnight and these are often split between two teachers. Practical work is an important part of the course and you will complete practical investigations in many of your lessons. In addition to lessons, you must be willing to spend 5-8 hours a week outside timetabled lessons to complete written work and to revise. There are no field visits or work placements associated with this course.

Entry requirements
Grade 6 or above in Combined Science GCSE or equivalent, and Grade 5 or higher in Maths is desirable.

It would help you if you are also taking A Level Maths, particularly if you are planning to take A2 as well as AS.

Course assessment
During the two years you will complete 12 practical investigations which will be examined during the summer exams.

AS Level:
To obtain the AS Level qualification you need to pass two 1 hour 30 minute exams in the Summer of Year 12.

A Level:
To obtain the A2 qualification you need to pass three 2 hour exams in the summer of Year 13.