Physics should have been studied at GCSE. No minimum grades required though a minimum of a B grade in IGCSE Physics is desirable. As the mathematical content of the course is high, A Level Mathematics is highly recommended (or at least AS Mathematics).
For us, your love of the subject is the most important thing. We believe that motivation and interest should be the main reason you wish to pursue the subject. However, it is also understandable that sometimes physics is necessary for your career aspirations. In either case, motivation and consistent hard work are key to succeed. You will be expected to work independently, revising material covered in the lesson and bringing us questions if you have any doubts, even if we set no homework.
Physics is the science that tries to explain how nature behaves the way it does. It goes from the very big (universe) to the very small (sub-atomic particles). This subject combines practical skills with theoretical ideas to develop descriptions of the physical universe. Physics (like Chemistry and Biology) is an experimental science. That means that theory has to be combined with practical work. In the subject you will come across abstract ideas such as waves, energy or fields. However, you will also learn how these abstract ideas find applications in objects such as your phone charger, or the notes played in a musical instrument or the generation of electrical energy in power stations. On a more ambitious front, Physics tries to answer big questions, such as where do we come from? Where are we going?
Year 12 starts off with a topic that is mostly new to all students: Particles and Quantum Phenomena. The rest of the Year 12 topics take the foundations learnt at IGCSE to a more mathematical formalism: Waves and Optics, Forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Momentum, Work, Energy and Materials, Electricity and DC Circuits.
Year 13 covers the following topics: Circular Motion, Simple Harmonic Motion, Thermal Physics and Gases, Gravitational Fields, Electric Fields, Capacitors, Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Induction, Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy.
At the end of Year 13 AQA also include an option topic from the following: Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics and Electronics. So far the department has either done the Turning points or the Astrophysics options.
As mentioned before Physics is an experimental science and practical work comprises an important part of the syllabus. Students have to complete 12 core practicals throughout the two A level years. These practicals are designed by examining boards to complement the theory classes and develop certain scientific skills that are required at the end of the course.
Pupils will sit three papers:
In addition, students have to receive an overall pass grade in their core practicals. The pass grade is awarded by the teacher and it is based on evidence compiled during experimental work. Students have to prove that they have developed specific assessment criteria, such as being able to follow a written method, writing a risk assessment, being able to use specific equipment, processing data, referencing, etc. The maximum grade for the core practicals is a pass and students will have plenty of opportunities to reach it. This grade will not contribute to the final A level grades but it is unlikely that any university will offer a place without a Pass grade on the practical side of the A level Physics course. At the end of the day Physics is an experimental science and theory has to be supported by practice.
Studying A level Physics will develop your reasoning, problem-solving and analytical skills. A good grade in A Level Physics demonstrates to an employer that you have analytical and mathematical skills that you can apply to real life situations.
Possible career paths: A Level Physics is an excellent start to any scientific career (Biology, Chemistry, Geology…) Courses such as Physics, Engineering, Astronomy, Cosmology, Electronics… will require Physics as one of the A Level subjects. Other courses where Physics is highly valued at A Level include: Mathematics, Medicine, Forensic Science, Economics or Finance.