Key Stage 5
Qualification
AS Level Physics in Year 12, A Level Physics in Year 13
The course is modular. In the first year there are 3 compulsory modules leading to an ‘AS' qualification. These involve work on
- Module 1 : Physics on the go
- Module 2 : Physics at work
- Module 3 : Exploring Physics
In the second year there are 3 further compulsory modules leading to an ‘A' Level qualification.
- Module 4 : Physics on the Move
- Module 5 : Physics from Creation to Collapse
- Module 6 : Experimental Physics
Course Length
AS 1 year. A level 2 years
Entry Requirements
GCSE Physics or a higher grade pass (B) in GCSE Additional Science (Higher Tier) would normally be expected. We would also expect you to have at least a grade C in four of your other GCSE subjects including Maths and English.
AS Physics is not a recommended progression route for students who studied GCSE Applied Science, however we intend to offer an AS in Applied Science in September 2009.
Course Delivery
The course will be taught by two teachers. Class / group discussions and presentations are an essential part of the course and are used to promote the 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 Cern Particle Physics Laboratory in Geneva 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 |
40% |
20% |
Unit test 2 |
June |
Module 2 |
40% |
20% |
Unit test 3 |
|
Module 3 |
20% |
10% |
(Unit 3 is internally assessed) |
||||
Unit test 4 |
January |
Module 4 |
|
20% |
Unit test 5 |
June |
Module 5 |
|
20% |
Unit test 6 |
|
|
|
10% |
(Unit 6 is internally assessed) |
||||
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, electronics and 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.
