Physics A Level
King Ecgbert
Totley Brook Road, Sheffield, S17 3QU
Available start dates
Available start dates
Course Summary
Course Description
Students who choose Physics will find themselves asking fundamental questions about our universe, then trying to answer them by observing and experimenting. These questions include:
• How did the universe begin?
• What are the basic building blocks of matter?
The course consists of 6 modules taught over 2 years. There are also numerous practical activities required for students to gain the practical endorsement and many opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality.
The subject content is designed to be interesting and relevant, providing a solid foundation for studying physics related subjects to a higher level.
Further Information about our courses including results
The physics department at KES consistently achieve very good results. Students who study A Level Physics at King Ecgbert School achieve approximately 1/2 grade higher than the national average (comparing students with similar GCSE grades) which results in a consistently high proportion of students achieving A*-B.
Our students have also achieved considerable success in national competitions such as the Physics Olympiad, with one student in 2019 scoring in the top 100 students entering nationally.
Course Details
Course Content and Teaching Units
Content is split into six teaching modules:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
Module 2 – Foundations of physics
Module 3 – Forces in action
Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
Financial Information
There is no financial requirement to this course but there will be opportunities for you to purchase a revision guide if you wish to.
Trips, visits and extra-curricular
CERN: In Y12 students have the opportunity of a lifetime to visit the international centre for particle physics in Geneva Switzerland (this running of this trip is dependent upon current travel restrictions).
Students can also participate in the Physics Olympiad and other trips such as one off visits to Universities.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
The course is assessed by written examinations using a variety of assessment styles so you can confidently engage with the questions, including multiple choice, short and long answer questions:
A level (H556): Three exams in Y13 (two 2 hour 15 minute papers and one 1 hour 30 minute paper)
The students are also assessed on their practical skills through the practical endorsement which is awarded as a separate qualification.
Entry requirements
6 in Physics or 7-7 in combined if studied and grade 6 or above in Maths. If you do not achieve a 7-7 but sat the higher tier, we will review your individual papers. We will accept if percentages are equivalent to a 6-6 in the subject you wish to study. *
* Results breakdown from exam board/feeder school needed.
Summer 2026 grade boundaries will be used.
Your next steps...
A Physics A Level is a highly desirable qualification for both universities and employers and can lead to a multitude of courses including physics, engineering, medicine, finance, mathematics, and chemistry. The problem-solving skills needed to be successful in A Level physics are applicable to a wide range of subjects.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
