Physics A level (S9421)

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

Physics is the study of the world around us and enables us to explain how the universe functions. From the extremely small scale with the structure of protons, to the large scale of explaining the eventual fate of our universe, physics aims to explain all. If you are someone who strives to understand how all things work, physics is the subject for you. This course is taught by a subject specialist who has studied physics at degree level and whose wealth of knowledge beyond the curriculum helps make the subject engaging and exciting.
Physics is the study of the universe and throughout the course you will cover a wide range of key topics, which will provide excellent ground work if you wish to continue to study this subject at a higher level. The course content has recently been updated to cover recent discoveries in the field of particle physics.
During this course you will cover classic Newtonian physics, electricity and electromagnetism, photons and waves, particle physics, materials, astrophysics and nuclear physics. You will also have the opportunity to complete and design a range of experiments to further enhance your understanding of the subject. This will not only provide you with the ground work to study physics at degree level, but will also enable you to approach a broad range of careers and other subjects that are reliant on problem solving and strong scientific skills. Physics provides the opportunity to complete many exciting and interesting practical activities. You will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers about the different opportunities available to you, as well as new discoveries in the field of physics. There are also outreach opportunities available to engage with younger students to promote the study of physics beyond secondary education.
If you are naturally curious about the world around you and have a scientific interest, then physics is the subject for you. Additionally, if you enjoy problem solving and tackling mathematical problems physics will also be an excellent choice.

You will be assessed by three written exam papers that focus on Newtonian physics, electricity and the universe and light, nuclei and options.

Additional Entry Requirements

Grade 6/B in GCSE Physics or Additional Science and grade 6/B in GCSE Maths.

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

Physics is a highly regarded qualification and is sought after by many employers, especially those that rely heavily on data analysis and numerical skills. If you are considering university, physics will help with a variety of subjects such as engineering, mathematics, finance, medicine and architecture.