Physics A level

We ask for a minimum GCSE score of 5 grades at grade 4 or above in five different subjects including English Language and Mathematics. We accept equivalent Level 2 qualifications such as BTEC and OCR Nationals but will only count them as 1 grade.

In addition most subjects require at least a grade 5 at GCSE in order to take them at Level 3. Maths and Science subjects require a grade 6.

Is this course for me?

Physics is a challenging A Level course but if you are competent in areas of maths such as standard form and rearranging equations you will be successful. The course will require you to regularly revisit the work covered in lessons and practice questions which link topic areas together.

Specific Entry Requirements: Grade 6 in Physics (or Combined Science) and a Grade 5 in Maths.

Gain a deeper understanding of concepts in physics.

Studying A-Level Maths alongside A-Level Physics is pre-requisite of the course.

What will I learn?

Content is in six modules, each divided into key topics:

1: Development of practical skills in physics

• Practical skills assessed in a written examination

• Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

3: Forces & motion

• Motion

• Forces in action

• Work, energy & power

• Materials

• Newton’s laws of motion and momentum Module 5: Newtonian world & astrophysics

• Thermal physics

• Circular motion

• Oscillations

• Gravitational fields

• Astrophysics & cosmology

2: Foundations in physics

• Physical quantities & units

• Making measurements & analysing data

• Nature of quantities 4: Electrons, waves & photons

• Charge and current

• Energy, power & resistance

• Electrical circuits

• Waves

• Quantum physics 6: Particles & medical physics

• Capacitors

• Electric fields

• Electromagnetism

• Nuclear & particle physics

• Medical imaging

There is no coursework. Instead there are assessed practical tasks. These do not contribute to your final grade but you may be awarded a certificate from the exam board for showing competence in Practical Physics. Many questions in the exams will relate to these practical tasks. There are three exams for A-Level Physics. These exams contain a mixture of short answer, long answer and multiple-choice questions. All exams are taken at the end of the course.

https://vimeo.com/469706586

At A level students look at Physics on the move - studying further mechanics, electromagnetism and partical physics; Physics from creation to collapse - studying thermal physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics and cosmology; Experimental Physics - planning and carrying out a more in-depth investigation. Many former Physics students have progressed to high level degree success in physics or engineering.

https://www.kesacademy.org.uk/31/subject-information/subject/4/science

We expect that students will have Grade 6 in GCSE Physics/Additional Science or equivalent. Additional Applied Science is not an adequate foundation for this course.

• Geophysicist/field seismologist • Healthcare scientist, medical physics • Higher education lecturer •

• Radiation protection practitioner • Research scientist (physical sciences) • Scientific laboratory technician •

• Secondary school teacher • Meteorologist • Structural engineer • Acoustic engineer •

• Product/process development scientist • Systems developer • Technical author •