Physics AS Level and A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

We will use the message function to contact you about your application, so please keep an eye on this.

The OCR A Level in Physics A course provides learners with the opportunity to develop experimental methods and practical techniques for producing empirical data. The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of physics ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills, transferable to any future career path. The important conventions, systems and concepts that permeate the fabric of physics and engineering are embedded.

During the first year of study students will develop and extend the basics that they studied at GCSE. Areas studied include how we model the motion of objects using mathematics, understand the effect forces on objects, learn about the important connection between force and energy, appreciate how forces cause deformation and understand the importance of Newton’s laws of motion. Electricity is also studied in depth although with many aspects of waves. This then leads to the introduction of the key ideas of quantum physics.

In the final year (A Level) of the course students are shown the impact Newtonian mechanics has on physics. The microscopic motion of atoms can be modelled using Newton’s laws and hence provide us with an understanding of macroscopic quantities such as pressure and temperature. Newton’s law of gravitation can be used to predict the motion of planets and distant galaxies and the expansion of the Universe is studied by analysing the electromagnetic radiation from space. Other topics covered include capacitors, electric fields, electromagnetism, nuclear physics, particle physics and medical imaging.

Studying Physics at A-level demands a combination of qualities that contribute to academic success and personal growth. Key traits include curiosity to explore and question the fundamental aspects of the universe, perseverance to tackle complex problems and concepts, analytical thinking for understanding and applying theories, adaptability to grasp new ideas and approaches, and effective communication to articulate understanding and collaborate with peers. Together, these qualities enable students to excel in A-level Physics while fostering a passion for lifelong learning in the field.

Links with other subjects

Choosing subjects that complement a Physics A-level can lead to a well-rounded education and open up various career paths. Mathematics is usually an essential companion subject, as it provides the necessary quantitative skills to understand and solve complex physics problems. Further Mathematics can also be beneficial, particularly for those interested in pursuing physics at the university level. Chemistry is another natural choice, as it shares many fundamental concepts with physics and helps develop a deeper understanding of the physical world. For students considering engineering, Design and Technology or Computer Science can be useful additions. Additionally, choosing a contrasting subject like English, History, or a modern language can help develop important communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills that are valuable in any field, including physics. Ultimately, selecting subjects that align with individual interests and strengths will provide the best foundation for success in Physics A-level and beyond.

Content is split into six teaching modules:

• Module 1 - Development of practical skills in Physics; including 'Practical skills assessed in a written examination' and 'Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement'
• Module 2 - Foundations of physics; including 'Physical quantities and units', 'Making measurements and analysing data' and 'Nature of Quantities'
• Module 3 - Forces and motion; including 'Motion', 'Forces in action', 'Work, energy and power', 'Materials' and 'Newton's laws of motion and momentum'
• Module 4 - Electrons, waves, and photons; including 'Charge and current', 'Energy, power and resistance', 'Electrical circuits', 'Waves' and 'Quantum physics'
• Module 5 - Newtonian world and astrophysics; including 'Thermal physics', 'Circular motion', 'Oscillations', 'Gravitational fields' and 'Astrophysics and cosmology'
• Module 6 - Particles and medical physics; including 'Capacitors' 'Electric fields', 'Electromagnetism', 'Nuclear and particle physics' and 'Medical imaging'

Paper 1 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5

Paper 2 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6

Paper 3 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)

AS Level:

• Paper 1 "Breadth in physics" 1 hr 30 mins. Multiple choice and structured questions
• Paper 2 "Depth in physics" 1 hr 30 mins
• Structured and extended response questions

A Level:

• Paper 1 "Modelling physics" 2 hr 15 mins. Multiple choice and structured questions.
• Paper 2 "Exploring physics" 2 hr 15 mins. Multiple choice and structured questions.
• Paper 3 "Unified physics" 1 hr 30 mins.
• Structured and extended response questions
• Teacher-assessed "Practical endorsement for physics"

Enrichment Opportunities

Tapton School is the Northern Hub for the Institute of Research In Schools (IRIS). Students will have the opportunity to take part in real scientific research as part of our super-curricular offering. Students are also encouraged to participate in activities such as the Physics Olympiad exams and projects such as the European Space Agency CanSAT project.

Specific entry requirements for Physics - 6-6 in Combined Science or 6 in Physics and 6 in another science and a 6 in Maths.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

Check your Attainment 8 if you are intending to study Science and Maths

At Tapton we add another level to our entry requirements, solely for the Sciences and Maths. We have found that historically, there is a link between how a student performs in these subjects and the average point score that they received for their GCSEs. Therefore, as well as achieving the individual entry requirements for each subject, the following conditions apply:

• To study all 3 Sciences and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 70 (equivalent to all 7s and above)

• To study 3 Sciences or 2 Sciences and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 64 (equivalent to mainly 7s and some 6s)

• To study 2 Sciences or 1 Science and Maths, you need an Attainment 8 of 55 (equivalent to mainly 5s with some 6s).

A-level Physics provides an excellent foundation for a variety of career paths, offering numerous opportunities across multiple industries. Students who study Physics at this level develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, which are highly valued by employers. Graduates can pursue careers in engineering, technology, research and development, medicine, finance, and education, among others. Additionally, A-level Physics prepares students for further academic pursuits, such as obtaining a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Physics or related fields. Overall, the career prospects for those with an A-level Physics qualification are vast, promising, and adaptable to individual interests and goals.