A Level Physics

What does this qualification cover?

The course covers the basis of how things work from the parts that make up the atom to the entire universe. You will leam about everything from kinematics to cosmology and many recent developments in fascinating topics, such as particle physics. If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between, this is the subject for you. You will apply the key concepts of the laws of physics you learnt at GCSE and become competent in problem solving in a range of different contexts and applications.

Physics trains your brain to think beyond boundaries. It combines practical skill with the theoretical ideas behind them. It will show you how separate GCSE topics such as forces, waves, electricity and magnetism are all interconnected.

You will study six modules over the two years of the course. Module 1 consists of practical skills which are integrated throughout modules two to six and you will build up a portfolio of evidence that you have achieved competency in a series of practical, researching and reporting skills. Knowledge of these experimental procedures and practical skills will also be assessed through examination.

What’s included?

The content is in six modules:

Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics

Module 2: Foundations in physics

Module 3: Forces and motion

Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons

Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics

Module 6: Particles and medical physics

A Level Physics Assessment

Component	Marks	Duration	Weighting	insert text
Modelling physics (01)	100	2 hours 15 mins	37%	Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
Exploring physics (02)	100	2 hours 15 mins	37%	Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
Unified physics (03)	70	1 hour 30 mins	26%	Assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)
Practical endorsement in physics (04)	–	–	–	Non-exam assessment

Key Features

A Level physics is essential for access to physics and engineering courses. Developing transferable skills that are useful outside of scientific study and directly applicable to the world of work including:

Investigative skills
Problem solving
Research
Decision making
Mathematical skills
Analytical skills
Communication skills

The practical endorsement aspect allows students to become competent in following procedures, investigative approaches using a range of scientific instruments and equipment, working safely, making and recording observations and researching, referencing and reporting.