A-Level

Physics

Science: Physics

Entry Criteria

Five GCSEs

Grade 5

English GCSE

Grade 6

Maths GCSE

Grade 7

Physics GCSE

Grade 7

or 7-6 in Combined

Careers

Physicists explore the fundamental nature of almost everything we know of. They probe the furthest reaches of the earth to study the smallest pieces of matter. Join them to enter a world deep beneath the surface of normal human experience. A-Level Physics offers an infinite number of amazing career opportunities including: geophysicist/field seismologist, healthcare scientist, medical physics, lecturer, radiation protection practitioner, research scientist (physical sciences), scientific laboratory technician, teacher, meteorologist, structural engineer, acoustic engineer, product/process development scientist, systems developer, technical author. You can also move into engineering, astrophysics, chemical physics, nanotechnology, renewable energy and more; the opportunities are endless.

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Course ID
AQA 7408
Faculty
Science
Department
Physics
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
S. Owen
Head of Department
M. Ibrahim
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
Science: Physics

Course Overview

Scientists with a passion for Physics will find this course opens the door to understanding the fundamental principles that govern the universe. This dynamic and intellectually stimulating subject challenges students to delve deep into both traditional and modern physics topics, equipping them with the analytical and problem-solving skills essential for a multitude of scientific and engineering fields.

Throughout the course, students will explore a diverse array of engaging topics that not only build upon their GCSE foundation but also expand their horizons. Key areas of study include:

  • Measurements and their errors: Students learn the importance of accuracy and precision in scientific experiments.
  • Further mechanics and thermal physics: This section delves into the laws governing motion and energy, providing a solid foundation for understanding the physical world.
  • Particles and radiation: Students explore the fundamental building blocks of matter and the principles of radiation, essential for grasping concepts in nuclear chemistry.
  • Fields and their consequences: This topic examines gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields and how they influence the behaviour of objects in motion.
  • Waves: Students investigate the properties of waves, including sound and light, and their applications in technology and communication.
  • Nuclear physics: This exciting area covers the principles behind nuclear reactions and their applications, from energy production to medical imaging.
  • Mechanics and materials: Students study the behaviour of materials under various forces, linking physics with engineering principles.
  • Electricity: This topic introduces the fundamental concepts of electric circuits and their applications in everyday life.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose an optional topic that aligns with their interests, selecting from areas such as astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics, ‘turning points’, or electronics. This flexibility allows for a personalised learning experience that enhances engagement and excitement.

To achieve the full A-Level qualification, students will be assessed on all the content learned during Years 12 and 13 at the end of their second year, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 P1 Matter and radiation.
P2 Quarks and Leptons.
P12 Electricity and DC Circuits.
Uncertainties and Practical Skills (U&PS).
End of chapter tests for P1, P2, P12 and U&PS; and continuous teacher assessment.
Autumn 2 P3 Quantum phenomena.
P6 Forces in equilibrium.
P11 Materials.
End of chapter test for P3, P6 and P11 and continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 1 P4 Waves.
P5 Optics.
P6 Forces in equilibrium (continued).
P7 Kinematics (On the move).
P8 Newton’s Laws of Motion.
End of chapter test for P4, P6 and P7, and continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 2 P5 Optics (continued).
P8 Newton’s Laws of Motion.
P9 Force and Momentum.
End of chapter test for P5, P8 and P9, and continuous teacher assessment.
Summer 1 P17 Motion in a circle.
P18 Simple Harmonic Motion
End of chapter test for P17 and P18, and continuous teacher assessment.
Summer 2 P19 Thermal physics.
P20 Gases.
End of chapter test for P19 and P20, and continuous teacher assessment.

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 P21 Gravitational Fields; P22 Electric Fields; P23 Capacitors. End of chapter test for P21, P22 and P23, and continuous teacher assessment.
Autumn 2 P24 Magnetic Fields; P25 Electromagnetic Induction; P26 Radioactivity; P27 Nuclear Energy. End of chapter test for P24, P25, P26 and P27, and continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 1 Option: Astrophysics. Continuous teacher assessment.
Spring 2 Option: Astrophysics (continued). Test on Astrophysics, and continuous teacher assessment.
Summer 1 Revision.  
Summer 2 ‘A’ Level Examination. ‘A’ Level Examination.

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Kerboodle AQA Physics AS Level (Jim Breithaupt)    

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
Kerboodle AQA Physics AS Level (Jim Breithaupt)