Physics - A Level

Core content

1 Measurements and their errors

2 Particles and radiation

3 Waves

4 Mechanics and materials

5 Electricity

6 Further mechanics and thermal physics

7 Fields and their consequences

8 Nuclear physics

Options

9 Astrophysics

This course is 100% exam based. Students will complete three two hour exams at the end of the second year.

The course has three examined Units:

Paper 1:

written exam: 2 hours

85 marks

34% of A-level

Sections 1 to 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion)

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 2:

written exam: 2 hours

85 marks

34% of A-level

Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8

Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 3:

written exam: 2 hours

80 marks

32% of A-level

Section A Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis

Section B: Optional topic

45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.

35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic, we usually study Astrophysics.

Students must have Grade 66 in Combined Science or a Grade 6 in Physics as well as a Grade 6 in Maths. Whilst it is not essential to study A level Maths alongside Physics it is highly recommended.

Physics is a “facilitating subject”, meaning that it’s highly regarded whatever degree or career path you choose. It’s considered essential for science and engineering courses, so it keeps a lot of doors open for you.

Physics opens these doors because of the skills and ways of thinking it teaches you. You’ll pick up mathematical and analytical techniques that are valued in a huge range of careers. You’ll become a critical and creative thinker, and a problem solver.

Where do you think choosing physics could take you?

Could it be to a game studio, designing the next Minecraft? Or to the Met Office, creating computer models to predict climate change? Perhaps into education, to inspire the next generation? Or to a hospital, using physics to help to save lives?

There are thousands of exciting, rewarding physics-related careers to choose from, here are a few related areas to consider: Astronomy and space, climate science and meteorology, education, engineering, lasers and photonics, medical physics and digital healthcare, renewable energy, robotics and AI, VFX and gaming, finance and law.

Follow this link to find out more about these careers: https://www.iop.org/careers-physics/your-future-with-physics/career-paths