A Level | Physics

Physics at Leighton Park

Exam Board:  AQA GCE Physics A

Course Requirements

Grade 6 in Physics or Grade 7 in Combined Science and ideally a Grade 7 in Maths

Will the course suit me? 

You will need to have a good GCSE grade in Physics (at least Grade 6 in Physics or Grade 7 in combined Science) and be competent at Maths (ideally a Grade 7)  in order to do well on the course.  A Level maths is strongly recommended to support the A Level Physics course.

A Level Physics is recommended by the Physics department for students who are very likely to apply to university to study Physics, Engineering or Mathematics and whose strengths clearly lie in the area of Physics/Mathematics.

Course Description

A level Physics is a two year A level course with terminal examinations at the end.  In addition, practical work is covered as a series of non-examined experiments over the course. Some topics build upon work covered in GCSE and other concepts are completely new. 

Subject content

• Measurements and their errors
• Particles and radiation
• Waves
• Mechanics and materials
• Electricity
• Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Fields and their consequences
• Nuclear physics
• Option topic (chosen by the department) "Turning points in Physics" which includes Special Relativity and Wave Particle Duality

Benefits of the course

An A Level in Physics is highly regarded by universities. It is a good training in clear, logical thinking and in applied Mathematics. Physicists are in short supply at the present time and so are valued highly by employers and universities.

Future Opportunities

A Level Physics is a very good basis for university courses in Physics, Maths, Engineering, Architecture, and Medicine. Many Physics graduates go on to work in accountancy and finance, as well as in the areas of science and technology. Bursaries are available at universities to encourage students to study Physics at a higher level.

Assessment

• Paper 1 - Sections 1 – 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion)
  Exam – 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 marks of multiple choice questions on content    
  34%  -  85 marks  - 2 hours
• Paper 2 - Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8
  Assumed Knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1
  Written Exam – 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 marks of multiple choice questions on content    
  34%  -  85 marks - 2 hours
• Paper 3 Section A:  Practical and data analysis Section B:  Option Topic (Turning Points)
  Written Exam – 45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis - 35 marks of short and long answer questions on "Turning Points".
  32%  -  80 marks  - 2 hours
• Practical endorsement - Reported separately as a pass or fail but does not contribute to the overall examination grade 

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Sarah Senior

To apply for our Sixth Form, please see our Admissions page.