Physics A Level is an exciting theoretical and practically-based problem-solving subject which at its core looks at how the world works, from the constituent parts of atoms to the evolution of the universe.

Course content:

Year 12

In this first year students will start to develop practical skills (including planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation) and work on the foundations of physics (including physical quantities and units, making measurements, analysing data and the nature of quantities). Students’ study will build on previous knowledge about forces and motion (including forces in action, work, energy, power, materials, Newton’s laws of motion and momentum). More challenging concepts are explored such as electrons, waves, and photons (including charge and current, energy, power, resistance, electrical circuits, waves and quantum physics).

Year 13

Students will start to engage with more complex ideas, the Newtonian world and astrophysics (thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational fields and astrophysics). Finally, the course finishes by reviewing some of the most thought-provoking concepts such as particle and medical physics (including capacitors, electric fields, electromagnetism, nuclear and particle physics and medical imaging).

Assessment criteria:

Three written exam papers are taken at the end of the two-year course and a Practical Endorsement award based on the student’s competency in the laboratory setting.