Physics A Level (See Option Blocks on our website)

At Notre Dame we follow the Edexcel course (led by theory, with context built in through-out). The first year is made up of five units.

What will I learn?

Students will take what they have learned in GCSE to a much deeper level and gain mastery other these and more complex models. This course has a significant mathematical skill requirement but mainly focuses on the ability to use logic in conjunction with mathematics in order to develop and apply models to a myriad of problems and contexts.

Topic 1: Working as a Physicist

This is not a discrete topic but is covered throughout the course. You will learn about quantities and their units and how to plan, carry out and evaluate experiments. You will also learn how to communicate your knowledge and understanding of physics to others

Topic 2: Mechanics

In this topic we will explore equations of motion, about vector quantities including forces and Newton's- laws of motion. We will also cover concepts such as momentum and how to calculate energy and use this to predict motion.

Topic 3: Electric circuits

This topic consists of understanding and using quantities such as charge, current, voltage, resistance and power in a variety of circuits and components. We will explore what is happening in electric circuits at a particle level and use this knowledge to make calculations and predictions about circuits and components.

Topic 4: Materials

This topic includes a looking at drag forces in fluids and the practical applications and implications of these forces. We will go on to study material behaviour and properties including how materials respond to compression and tension

Topic 5: Waves and Particles

In this topic we will types of waves and the properties of waves. We will understand and explain applications such as lenses and polarising filters. We will go on to look at how the particle model of light was developed and how this understanding can be used in practical applications.

Year 2

In the second year you study a further eight units: further mechanics, electric and magnetic fields, nuclear and particle physics, thermodynamics, space, nuclear radiation, gravitational fields and oscillations.

Experimental Physics. Students must carry out 12 experiments throughout the two years. Whilst these do not form part of your final grade, these must be completed to the required standard in order to complete the course and understanding will be assessed in Paper 3 at the end of the second year.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1 Advanced I

Topic 2 and 3 plus topics 6, 7 and 8 from year 2

Exam (1hour 45 mins)

Value = 180

Assessed = May/ June 2020

Paper 2 Advanced II

Topics 3 and 4 plus topics 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 from year 2

Exam (1hour 45 mins)

Value = 180

Assessed May/June 2020

Paper 3 General and Practical Principles in Physics

Principles

All topics

Exam (2 hours 30 mins)

Value = 240

Assessed May/June 2020

Total Value = 600

You should have studied GCSE Combined Science or Physics and achieved a minimum grade 6 in Physics for Triple award or a minimum grade 6-6 for Combined science. GCSE Maths needed (at least grade 6).