Physics A Level

A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE including English Language. You must have a grade 6 in Maths and a 5 in Physics (if taken), otherwise a 5 in Additional or 55 in Double Science. It is strongly recommended that you study A level Maths alongside A level physics. Not doing so will impact on your ability to progress onto a range of physics related courses, including engineering and computing. If you choose not to study A level maths we will provide you with maths support as part of your enrichment programme.

First year topics include simple electrical circuits, fundamental particles, quantum mechanics, waves and optics; as well as Newtonian mechanics, which deals with forces, motion, energy and power.

In the second year, additional topics include radioactivity and thermal physics. The additional topic is ‘Turning Points in Physics’: this investigates some important experiments which helped to define our current knowledge of physics, and it links well with the main body of the course.

Development of practical skills alongside the theoretical content helps you to gain a wider understanding of physics. This includes the Practical endorsement aspect of the course where you progressively develop your practical skills, learning specific techniques, and the use of specialist apparatus and instruments.

Lessons are taught in specialist laboratories with access to an extensive range of practical equipment.

You will typically be in College four days per week, with lesson style varying according to subject. In-College delivery is supported by online resources, and students develop strong independent learning skills to equip them for their next steps.

You will receive a variety of classwork and homework exercises throughout the course allowing you to practise the theory and skills you have learnt during the course. This will include past paper questions, enabling you to develop the technique needed to be successful in the A Level exams.

In addition to theoretical work, the science courses have a significant practical element and you will undertake a series of practical activities that allow you to develop your skills and techniques. You will be continually assessed on this element of the course, with feedback provided to allow you to improve and meet the requirements. On completion of the course you will receive your exam grade together with a Practical Endorsement, which shows that you have the skills and ability to work in a laboratory and use the equipment safely to carry out practical tasks and research.

In addition to Maths, Physics works well with Chemistry, Computer Science and Geology.

Physics is a facilitating subject valued by employers and universities alike. Studying the subject develops the knowledge and skills to study a physics or engineering related degree. You will also gain a wealth of transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and teamwork that are valued in a range of degree programmes beyond chemistry.

Together with Maths, Physics is essential if you wish to study physics or engineering related courses and highly desirable for many other courses at university including maths, cosmology, computing, architecture and medicine. Physics graduates are highly employable and are sought after in fields such as technology, education, finance and commerce. Past students have gone on to university to study engineering, theoretical physics, astrophysics, computing, electronics, accounting, maths, medicine and many other subjects.