Close
Back to Subjects Menu

Physics

Whilst studying physics you will develop practical skills that include planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions. You will also gain an appreciation of how scientific models are developed and evolve and the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions. Physics is suitable if you,

  • Have an interest in and enjoy Physics.
  • Want a grounding in a relevant worthwhile qualification of recognised value.
  • Want to broaden your educational experience before deciding which career is for you.
  • Are taking A levels in other sciences and or Mathematics or other relevant courses such as Design and Technology and want to take another course that will support your studies.
  • Enjoy applying your mind to solving problems.
  • Enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative and logical thinking.
  • Want to use Physics to move on to further studies in higher education, support other qualifications or enter physics related employment.

Exam Board: AQA  Please look at this link for Physics on the AQA website.

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English, Grade 7 in GCSE Maths and Grade 6/6 in Double Science or Grade 6 in Physics.

Future Opportunities

This course is an excellent preparation for a wide range of further studies and is well respected by employers. Physics at this level is applicable to further study in science and technology as well as vocational courses such as medicine, radiography and veterinary studies. Physicists are recognised as being logical employees who can plan large projects in many areas such as technology, space exploration, earth science, civil engineering and politics.

Course Content & Assessment

Course Content

Core Content

  • Measurements and their errors
  • Particles and Radiation
  • Waves
  • Mechanics and Materials
  • Electricity
  • Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
  • Fields and their consequences
  • Nuclear Physics

Options (choose x 1)

  • Astrophysics
  • Medical Physics
  • Engineering Physics
  • Turning points in Physics
  • Electronics

ASSESSMENT

Paper 1

Sections 1 to 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion)

Written exam: 2 hours

85 marks

34% of A Level

Questions:  60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 2

Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8

Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1

Written exam: 2 hours

85 marks

34% of A Level

Questions:  60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 3

Section A Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis

Section B: Students enter for one of sections 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13

Written exam: 2 hours

80 marks

32% of A Level

Questions:  45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis. 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

Science Department

Subject Leader Mrs J Pennington-Wright
Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator Mrs K Ross
Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator Mrs L Sanday
Key Stage 5 Co-ordinator Dr K Irlam
  Mrs K Brett
  Ms L Casson
  Mrs N Everitt
  Miss A McLeod
  Mrs R Monks
  Mrs A Newton
  Mrs B Povey
  Mrs M Salaga
  Mrs S Tunstall
  Miss A Waddicor
  Mr S Wright
Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×