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Physics (GCE A Level)

Shelley College

Huddersfield Road, Shelley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 8NL

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Science and Mathematics

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Shelley College
1 Not Set
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Why study Physics?

Physics is a fascinating subject that is at the heart of society.

Without Physics, most if not all of the technological advances and devices we take for granted today (mobile phones, X-ray machines, TVs, satellites, computers, the internet, cars, power stations etc.) would not exist.

In Physics you will study topics that form the building blocks of science including mechanics, materials and electricity as well as topics at the cutting edge such as wave-particle duality, particle physics, astronomy and cosmology.

You will develop mathematical, analytical, and practical skills and be challenged to build up your knowledge and understanding to be able to solve complex problems.

Course Details


How will it be delivered and assessed?

A Level:

Paper 1

Measurement and their errors

Particles and radiation

Waves

Mechanics and materials

Electricity

Periodic motion

Assessed

Written exam : 2 hours . 85 marks (34% of A level)

Paper 2

Thermal physics and further mechanics

Fields and their consequences

Nuclear physics

Assessed

Written exam : 2 hours. 85 marks (34% of A level)

Paper 3

Practical skills and data analysis

Assessed

Written exam : 2 hours . 80 marks (32% of A level)

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.

Entry requirements

The aim of our entry criteria policy is to ensure students are taking courses they are well suited to and are able to make progress in. We seek to provide courses well matched to the needs of our students, helping them to follow their chosen progression pathway.

Our main College entry requirements are as follows;

Entry Requirements

A minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English and Maths (at least to Level 4) from five different subject areas.

Purely vocational pathway require a minimum of four 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English and Maths (at least to Level 4) from four different subject areas.

There will be three pathways which students can follow based on an average grade produced from their seven best GCSE results. The calculation being used for this van be seen overleaf.

Pathway

Average Grade

Programme of study

1

Average grade of 7 or higher

3 or 4 A Levels

2

Average grade of 5 to 6.9

3 A Levels or a mixed A Level and Vocational pathway

3

Average grade of less than 5

Mixed (A Level and Vocational) or Vocational pathway

The method for calculating your average grade and additional subject requirements are within our full entry criteria document which can be found on the Sixth Form section of our website:

http://home.shelleycollege.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

As well as our general entry requirements, there are certain subjects which hold individual expectations based on GCSE outcomes.


For more courses like this, check our courses page.