Physics

Why study Physics?

Physics is a fascinating subject that tries to explain how the world works – from an appreciation of how motion occurs to the existence of antimatter.  You may need to study Physics for your future career or university course but equally you may want to study it purely for enjoyment alongside any other subject.

Destinations for AHS students who studied this subject are on display outside the subject classrooms

AHS students can use Unifrog to explore how this subject might be used in life after A Levels

Entry Requirements

• You need a minimum of grade 7 in GCSE Physics or achieved the equivalent of at least two Grade 7s in the Physics components of the qualification if you have taken a double science qualification. 

• You need a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Maths.

• If you have a grade 6 or 7 in GCSE Mathematics, and have not chosen to study A Level Mathematics, you are also required to take Maths for Physics as your Extension Study to support your work in Physics.  (If you are doing Chemistry and Physics A Level, you can choose either Maths for Chemistry or Maths for Physics as your extension subject)

Special features of the course

A sound background in mathematical methods is desirable, being confident in the use of algebra, angles and trigonometry, and the equation of a straight line is especially important.  

ICT is used significantly for analysis, modelling and research.  You will need to work methodically and think logically. 

Please DO note, if you intend on studying Physics or Engineering beyond school, most universities will expect you to have studied both Physics and Maths at A level. 

How is the course organised?

There are 6 modules:

Module 1    Development of practical skills in Physics

Module 2    Electrons, waves and photons

Module 3    Foundations of Physics

Module 4    Newtonian world and astrophysics

Module 5    Forces and motion

Module 6    Particles and medical physics

In addition to normal timetabled lessons, students are expected to spend time outside lessons completing set homework, recording and analysing experimental work, studying appropriate sections of the text book, expanding on notes taken in lessons and following up individual research.  

Practical skills will be taught alongside the theoretical content.

Assessment

Paper 1        2 ¼ hours

Paper 2        2 ¼  hours

Paper 3        1 ½ hours

Practical skills are assessed in the question papers and there is also a practical endorsement certificate with a pass/fail mark assessed by the centre, based on at least 12 experiments which is reported separately to the A Level grade.  Maths and experimental skills are tested in each written paper.