Physics

Entry requirements

GCSE Physics, plus another science at grade 6 or Combined Science - Grade 6-6

GCSE Maths - Grade 6

What will I study

You will study the world of physics including:

Year 12

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics

Module 2 – Foundations of physics

Module 3 – Forces and motion

Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons

Year 13

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics

Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics

Module 6 – Particles and medical physics

How will I be assessed?

Three written papers taken at the end of Year 13 together with a practical endorsement.

Modelling physics

Content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.
100 marks written paper, 2 hours 15 minutes

Exploring physics

Content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.
100 marks written paper, 2 hours 15 minutes

Unified physics

Synoptic paper: Assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). 70 marks written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes

Practical Endorsement

12 required practical tasks that will be examined in papers 1 or 2. You will then pass or fail your practical endorsement which will be reported separately.

Is this subject for me?

Getting a physics A-level is hard work, which is why it is so well respected by employers and universities. You will need to be reflective and motivated to make improvements in areas that you identify as weaker topics. Outside of lessons, you will also be expected to develop your own revision notes using the specification throughout the course.

At the end of it all, you will have great prospects for university degrees and physicists are in very high demand so your earning potential and employability will rocket.

Where can this lead me?

Physics can lead to a range of degrees in and out of Science.

Degree courses include engineering, physics, marine physics; astrophysics; audio technology; aircraft engineering and software engineering. An A-level qualification is accepted as an exceptional gateway to most careers. Most physics-related degrees also require an A-level in Maths.

Just a small selection of the careers you could follow include:

Engineering

Accountancy/Finance/Banking

Research Scientist

Software Engineer

Project Manager

Management Consultancy

Teaching

Computing

Medical Physics/Bio-engineering/Radiographer

Civil Service

Architecture

What else is there?

We have excellent links with the world-leading engineering firm Ricardo. Students on the physics course will have the opportunity to visit and work with engineers and there are options for students to pursue the highly regarded CREST Gold Award. We are also a hub school for the Institute for Research in Schools, which means you can get involved in a wide range of real-world scientific projects with the likes of CERN and NASA.