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A Level Physics

Choose A Level Physics at St Edmund’s College and discover more about topics both small (subatomic particles) and large (as big as the universe)!

Physicists are problem solvers. Through this A Level course, you will develop your skills of invention and enquiry, to understand the world around us, inside us, and beyond us in space.

In the 21st century, physics will be at the centre of answering some of our biggest challenges, from producing renewable energy to curing cancer. Study physics and you can be a part of the solution.

Enrichment opportunities at St Ed’s include:

  • Visit to the Engineering Department at Hertfordshire University
  • Visit to CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva
  • Lectures and events run by physics education groups in and around Hertfordshire
  • Lectures from university admission tutors
Head of Department Ms M Towns BSc (UWE)
Syllabus OCR

Course structure

A Level Physics covers six topics:

  • Topic 1: Development of practical skills in physics
  • Topic 2: Foundations of physics
  • Topic 3: Forces and motion
  • Topic 4: Electrons, waves and photons
  • Topic 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics
  • Topic 6: Particles and medical physics

 

Assessment

Over the course of the first year of study topics 1-4 will be studied. There will be two assessment points in the year – November and June. Assessments will be 1.5 hours.

The papers may include multiple choice, short responses, calculations, and extended writing questions. The papers will also include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental work.

Following the internal assessment in June, students will begin work on year 2 material, as well as completing an independent Research project.

During the second year of study, all topics will be studied. This section of study assessment is broken by three papers:

  • Paper 1 – 2.25 hours written (37%) – Modelling in Physics (all topics)
  • Paper 2 –  2.25 hours written (37%) – Exploring Physics (all topics)
  • Paper 3 – 26% 1.5 hours written (26%)- Unified Physics (all topics)

All three of the papers may include multiple choice, short responses, calculations, and extended writing questions. The paper will include questions that
target the conceptual and theoretical understanding on experimental work.

 

Key skills developed
An enquiring mind Analytical and evaluative skills
Aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving Application of theoretical models

Future paths

Physics A Level is a necessary requirement for a number of degree courses including Engineering and Physics.

It is also a very useful A Level for medicine, veterinary science, forensic science, dentistry, physiotherapy and sports science. It can also provide breadth of study for application to Law and business-related degrees.