PHYSICS
Content
Physics is all around us. It is in the electric light you turn on in the morning; the car you drive to work; your wristwatch,
cell phone, CD player, radio, and that big plasma TV set you got for Christmas. It makes the stars shine every night and
the sun shine every day, and it makes a cricket ball soar into the stands for a six.
In studying Physics you will be learning the science of matter, energy, space, and time. By the end of the course you
will be able to explain ordinary matter as combinations of a dozen fundamental particles (quarks and leptons),
interacting through four fundamental forces. You will be able describe changes in terms of energy—such as kinetic
energy, electrical energy, and mass—and the way energy can change from one form to another. You will appreciate
how Quantum Mechanics and Einstein’s theories have revolutionised the way we view the Universe. You will be one
step closer to the elusive ultimate aim of Physics, a complete understanding of the universe and everything in it!
The study of Physics will lead to opportunities to study a huge range of courses within both Science and Engineering.
Because the Physics course develops high level analytical and problem solving skills, an A Level in Physics will be an
asset no matter which career path you choose.
Course Structure
A Level Physics is a two year course:
Year 1 - Three units at AS Level:
Mechanics G481 (30%of AS) includes study of forces, energy and the equations of motion
Electrons, Waves and Photons G482 (50% of AS) includes study of electricity and Quantum Physics
Practical Skills in Physics 1 G483 (20% of AS) requires students to plan, carry out experiments and collect and both
analyse and evaluate quantitative data.
Year 2 – Three further units to gain the Advanced Level (50% AS Physics Units as detailed above):
The Newtonian World G484 (15%of A2) includes study of Newton’s Laws, momentum, Circular motion and Thermal
Physics.
Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics G485 (25% of A2) includes study of field theory, capacitors, nuclear physics,
medical imaging and astrophysics.
Practical Skills in Physics 2 G486 (10% of A2) requires students to plan, carry out higher level experiments and collect
and both analyse and evaluate quantitative data.
Method of Assessment
Mechanics G481: 1hr paper taken in January.
Electrons, Waves and Photons G482: 1hr 45m paper taken in June.
Practical Skills in Physics 1 G483: best 3 practical assessments submitted.
The Newtonian World G484: 1hr 15m paper taken in January.
Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics G485: 2hr paper taken in June.
Practical Skills in Physics 2 G486: best 3 practical assessments submitted.
Prior knowledge/attainment
As well as the normal entrance requirements to study AS level Physics you must:
have three B grades in Triple Science or BB at Double Science (Core and Additional Science). Students
with a mixture of B's and C's will be considered on an individual basis, however priority will be given to
students who have met the entry requirements in Triple Science.
have at least a B grade in Mathematics
To proceed to A2 level Physics, a minimum of a grade D at AS is required.
Unfortunately we cannot offer a place on the course to students who have followed the Applied
Science route at GCSE