A Level Physics

We are all connected. To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe, atomically – Neil deGrasse Tyson

Physics seeks to understand the workings of the world around us. A Level Physics builds on the skills developed at GCSE to enable students to model and describe situations with greater detail and precision. Practical work is at the heart of A-Level Physics. Students undertake challenging experiments with a high degree of independence as part of the practical endorsement. 

The course will suit those who are inquisitive, logically minded, enjoy abstract concepts and modelling Mathematics. Physics overlaps particularly well with Mathematics, Further Maths and Chemistry, but can also fit well with Economics, Design Technology, Biology and Geography.

Exam board: OCR

Modules 2, 3 and 4 are taught in year 12, modules 5 and 6 in year 13. Practical skills (module 1) are developed and taught throughout the course.

Module 1 – Practical Skills Manipulation and use of a wide range of equipment such as capacitors, projectile launchers and radioactive sources. Obtaining and recording data. Planning and designing experiments.

Module 2 – Foundations of physics error and uncertainty analysis, manipulation of vectors, graph plotting, units and their meaning and use.

Module 3 – Forces and Motion, Dynamics, Forces in Action, Work, Energy and Power, Materials, Momentum.

Module 4 – Electrons, Waves and Photons, Electric Circuits, Electricity and Energy Transfer, Waves, Introductory Quantum Mechanics. 

Module 5 – The Newtonian World and Astrophysics, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations, Gravitational Fields, Astrophysics, Cosmology. 

Module 6 – Particles and Medical Physics, Capacitors, Electrical Fields, Electromagnetism, Nuclear Physics, Particle Physics, Medical Imaging.

Assessments

Physics A-Level grade is assessed via 100% exam:

• Paper 1 – 2 hours 15 minutes – Modules 1,2,3 and 5
• Paper 2 – 2 hours 15 minutes – Modules 1,2,4 and 6
• Paper 3 – 1 hour 30 minutes – All modules

The Practical Endorsement is assessed and reported separately.  This is internally assessed throughout the 2-year course and results in a pass or fail grade.

At Kew House we welcome students wishing to study Physics for pure enjoyment. However, should you wish to pursue a Physics or Engineering based degree beyond A-level, it’s difficult to gain entry to a Russell Group University without Maths A-level alongside Physics A-Level.

Career opportunities

Graduates with Physics or Physics related degrees are highly employable. A considerable number go on to work in IT, Finance, Engineering and Consultancy. A substantial proportion end up as researchers in either academia or industry. Over a third of Physics graduates undertake further study after they finish their degree. The analytical, mathematical modelling, numerical and problem-solving abilities of Physics graduates is valued by employers.