Key Stage 5
Qualification
AS level Physics in Year 12 leading to A level Physics in Year 13
The course is modular. In the first year there there are 3 compulsory modules leading to an AS qualification. These involve work on
- Module 1 : Particle Physics, Radiation and Quantium Physics
- Module 2 : Mechanics and Kinetic Theory
- Module 3 : Electricity and the Behaviour of Materials
In the second year there are 2 further compulsory modules and an optional module leading to an A level qualification.
- Module 4 : Waves, Fields and Nuclear Energy
- Module 5 : Nuclear Instability
- Module 6 : Any one of Astronomy, Medical Physics, Applied Physics,
Turning Points in Physics, or Electronics.
Course Length
AS 1 year. A level 2 years
Entry Requirements
You should have obtained a grade CC in GCSE Science and a grade C in Mathematics.
Course Delivery
The course will be taught by 2 teachers. Class/group discussions and presentations are an essential part of the course and are used to promote to exchange of ideas and to challenge understanding. Practical and experimental work is intrinsic to the study of Physics and is assessed through coursework.
Students will be encouraged to carry out individual research and to tackle problem solving exercises. Use of ICT and specialised Physics software is expected to play a significant role in this area.
A structured visit to the Cem Particle Physics Laboratory or another part of the "Physics industry" is offered as part of the course.
Assessment Method
Test |
Date |
Work covered |
AS Level |
A Level |
Unit test 1 |
January |
Module 1 |
30% |
15% |
Unit test 2 |
June |
Module 2 |
30% |
25% |
Unit test 3 |
June |
Module 3 |
25% |
12.5% |
AS Coursework |
|
Internal assessment |
15% |
7.5% |
Unit test 4 |
January |
Module 4 |
|
15% |
Unit test 5 |
June |
Modules 5 & 6 |
|
10% |
Unit test 6 |
June |
Modules 1- 5 |
|
20% |
A2 Coursework |
|
Internal assessment |
|
5% |
Progression from the course
A level Physics is a very highly regarded qualification and it can lead to many higher education courses and a variety of challenging careers. A few examples include medicine, engineering, electronics, computing, broadcasting, law, and telecommunications.
Physicists work in areas such as pollution control, health and safety and with archaeology. The development of satellites and space engineering, together with research and development within companies offer further opportunities.
More general careers are also open to you, such as accountancy, banking, marketing, the Police and Armed Forces and even teaching.
