Physics
Specification Details:
We follow the AQA A Level syllabus.
Course Entry Requirements:
Candidates need to have very good grades in Physics and Mathematics at GCSE (a minimum of a 6 in both) to manage the rigours of this A level successfully. Questions involving the use of mathematical skills to a standard far beyond GCSE will contribute 50% of the final assessment, so you need to be very competent and confident in Mathematics to choose this A level. Due to this, pupils wishing to take A level Physics must also take A level Mathematics.
Background:
The A level Physics course has been specifically designed to encourage you to:
- progress confidently from previous GCSE studies in Physics
- develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of Physics
- gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills
- appreciate the relevance of Physics in the world around us
- see how Physics links to other sciences and how it underpins many important technologies.
A level Physics student will be encouraged to read a variety of engaging and challenging Physics books, as well as to attend Science clubs where they are actively encouraged to deliver a presentation on a topic of interest to them and discuss Science topics. You may also have the opportunity for a trip to CERN, where students will have the opportunity to meet real scientists and visit the world renowned site. Most excitingly, you may be able to travel underground to see the LHC and one of the giant detectors that uncovered the Higgs Boson.
Course Content:
Topics studied at A level include: Particle Physics, Quantum Physics, Waves, Mechanics, Materials and Electricity in Year 1. Further mechanics, Gravitational Field, Electric, Magnetic Fields, Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics; and Astrophysics in Year 2.
How Physics will be examined:
There is no coursework on this course. However, your performance during practicals will be assessed. There are three externally examined written papers at the end of the second year to obtain an A Level qualification all of which are two hours long. At least 15% of the marks for A-level Physics are based on what you learned in your practicals. Questions will be a combination of short answer, multiple choice and extended writing responses.
Careers and Higher Education:
Physics and Engineering are popular degree subjects in Higher Education and many Physics students go on to study them at university. As a Physics graduate you should have no shortage of skills. As well as being highly numerate, analytical and logical, the chances are that you are also a creative thinker, excellent at problem solving and meticulous – skills that are valued in any work environment.
Physics graduates are sought by:
Oil and energy companies like BP and N-Power; transport companies like Rolls Royce and BMW; in science communication roles like public relations or journalism. Beyond science many Physics graduates pursue careers in accountancy, management consultancy, banking or patent work. Some choose to share their enthusiasm for Physics with the next generation by becoming Physics teachers. With the right training, you could become anything from an aeronautical engineer to a meteorologist, from an astronaut to an inventor.