Physics

Course type: A level & Applied • Awarding/exam body: AQA
Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. A strong aptitude for maths, coupled with a comprehensive scientific understanding, will enable students to engage with and explore various physical ideas and concepts. It is strongly recommended to study Physics with A Level Mathematics as this is essential for most physical science or engineering based degree courses.

Course Units

Unit 01: Measurements and their errors
Unit 02: Particles and radiation
Unit 03: Waves
Unit 04: Mechanics and materials
Unit 05: Electricity
Unit 06: Further mechanics and thermal physics
Unit 07: Fields and their consequences
Unit 08: Nuclear physics

Course Assessment

Assessment is 100% examination-based, with twelve standard experiments being assessed and awarded independently.

This Course Can Lead To…

A level Physics is a very good indicator of a student’s academic ability and, therefore, highly regarded by most universities for courses including Law and Accountancy. In particular, Physics is essential for those wishing to study a Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Architecture or Medicine degree.

Entry Requirements

To qualify to study 3 A level/ Applied subjects, you will need to achieve 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at grade 4 or above. 

In addition/ within those 6 GCSEs, for this subject you will need to achieve Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language, Grade 6 in Core Science and Grade 7 in Additional Science; GCSE score of 4.8 or above
OR
Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language, Grade 7 in Core Science and Grade 6 in Additional Science; GCSE score of 4.8 or above
OR
Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language, Grade 6 in Physics and Grade 6 in either Chemistry or Biology; GCSE score of 4.8 or above
(N.B. Applied Science not accepted)

Course Highlights

In February 2020 we went on a subsidised student trip to CERN, Geneva, Switzerland to visit the Large Hadron Collider. Not only is this the International number one laboratory for Physics but it is also where the Internet was created.