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. 

 

Links to workplace

By choosing to study A Level physics as part of your programme of study you will gain access to a wide range of potential courses at University. 

Gaining A Level physics can also be useful in the fields of:  

  • Sciences 
  • Medicine 
  • Engineering 
  • Cosmology 
  • Computing industry 
  • Geology 

It is also a highly regarded qualification in careers as diverse as architecture, management, law, banking and finance. 

 

GCSE study skills masterclass for parents

 

To help in the run-up to GCSE exam season for our Year 11 students, we asked Maximise Your Potential, a company specialising in study skills, to run a webinar to help parents support their children in the run up to and through the exams.

We know that not everyone could attend so wanted to share the headlines, key resources and main tips from Jeremy’s session.  We have run sessions with Jeremy many times in some of our schools and feedback from the students has always been very positive, so we hope you find this useful.

You can find the guide here

 

APPLY FOR

Year 10

APPLY FOR

Year 12

Our Partners