Physics

Physics is a subject for the curious.

If you want to know why things work the way they do, and are willing to put the hard work in to find out, you will find Physics especially satisfying and interesting. Being able to use mathematics and think mathematically is a big advantage for Physicists.

Physics covers everything from the very largest things (the Universe) to the very smallest (sub-nuclear particles).

Physics impacts on every area of our lives:

 From the technology that enables your mobile phone to work to understanding how the human body works, Physics and Physicists are involved.

 From designing buildings to understanding and seeking to minimise climate change, Physics and Physicists are involved.

 From trying to find out if we are alone in the Universe to improving disaster relief, Physics and Physicists are involved.

 From helping banks and governments to manage data securely to helping you manage your time better, Physics and Physicists are involved.

A Level Physics is a two year course which begins by building on and deepening the foundations laid during your GCSEs before then building on these to enable you to understand some of the more interesting areas of Physics and prepare you for future study, should you choose to pursue it.

Y12 Physics

Mechanics

Materials

Electric Circuits

Waves & Particle Nature of Light

Y13 Physics

Further Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Electric & Magnetic Fields

Space

Nuclear & Particle Physics

Nuclear Radiation

Gravitational Fields

Oscillations

• There are no AS exams anymore.
• A Level Physics (end of Y13) contains three exam papers, two with 90 marks covering all the Physics from both years of the course and one of 120 marks covering experimental techniques from throughout the course and the Physics underpinning them.

To study A Level Physics you will need to have demonstrated that you have a suitable Scientific and Mathematical grounding at GCSE. This means that you need, as a minimum:

• 2 grade 6 Science GCSEs including Physics if taken.

• A Grade 6 in Mathematics GCSE.

TO ENSURE YOUR SUBJECT CHOICES FIT INTO THE TIMETABLE PLEASE SEE OUR BLOCKING TIMETABLE BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW TO GO TO OUR WEBSITE. SUBJECTS SHOULD BE CHOSEN IN DIFFERENT BLOCKS TO AVOID CLASHES.

Sixth Form option blocks

A Level Physics is a facilitating subject for University courses, especially at more competitive universities. This means that it is desirable for many different courses, not just ones directly linked to Physics (See Russell Group Informed Choices).

Studying A Level Physics (and Maths) is a prerequisite for many Physics and Engineering degrees, but A Level Physics (when studied alongside other suitable A Levels) can also lead to many other courses of study post-18. A Level Physics also develops skills that employers are looking for including problem solving, logical and lateral thinking, being able to see the bigger picture and how details fit into it and good mathematical skills.