A Level Physics

Please refer to EN's Entry Requirements Guide for specific advice on our Admissions Policy. This guide is supplied at interview to prospective students and is also available to Schools & Careers Advisers.

Physics (Specification A) is about studying the fundamental nature of matter and energy. It helps us to understand how the whole Universe works, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy. This course will transform the way you look at science and nature and allow you to stretch your mind as you get to grips with awesome concepts underpinning topics such as cosmology, particle physics and quantum mechanics

You will study:

- Development of practical skills

- Foundations of physics – Quantities, units, measurements

- Forces and motion –kinematics, dynamics, work, energy power, materials

- Electrons, waves and photons – Electricity, waves, quantum physics

- Newtonian World – thermal, gases, fields & SHM

- Particles and medical physics – cosmology, capacitors, electric fields, electromagnetism, nuclear physics, medical physics.

Assessment

AS - x2 written papers in May of the first year both 1.5 hours.

A2 - x3 Theory Papers in June of the second year. 2 x 2.5 hours and 1 x 1.5 hours.

All students will be entered for the AS Level exam and only those with at least a D Grade will progress to the A-level.

A-level only Practical Endorsement – Pass or fail assessed in class throughout the two year course.

Students with either of the below combination of grades will be accepted:

1. Two grade 6s in GCSE Sciences; these can be Core and Additional or if you studied Triple Science, then one of these must be in Physics, plus a grade 7 or higher in GCSE Maths (Higher) or
2. One grade 7 & one grade 6 in GCSE Sciences; these can be Core and Additional or if you studied Triple Science, then one of these must be in Physics, plus a grade 6 or higher in GCSE Maths (Higher).

The course will also prepare you to take Physics or a related discipline to a higher level. A quali­fication in
Physics will allow you to pursue a career in engineering, architecture, medicine/medical physics, electronics, geophysics, management, space, finance, and many more.