Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School: Sixth Form Virtual Open Evening

_Alevel Physics Presentation.pptx

Aims and Objectives

The WJEC A level in Physics provides a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.

It encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, physics and to recognise its importance in their own lives and to society.

Studying this A level in Physics encourages you to:

develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society

Course Intentions

The WJEC A Level course offered is intended to promote a variety of styles of teaching and learning so that the course is enjoyable for all participants.

Learners will be introduced to a wide range of physics principles which will allow them to enjoy a positive learning experience whilst gaining an understanding of how nature operates at both microscopic and macroscopic scales.

The optional topics have been developed to allow learners to gain an insight into topics in the world of work which use physics on a daily basis.

Practical work is an intrinsic part of physics, and is highly valued by higher education. It is our imperative that practical skills are developed throughout this course and that an investigatory approach is promoted.

All content is introduced in such a way that it develops each learners’ ability to:

use theories, models and ideas to develop scientific explanations
use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas
use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer scientific questions and solve scientific problems
carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts
analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships
evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence

Testimonials

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Gabbie - Previous Year 13 A2 Physics Student

I chose to study physics at A-level because I thoroughly enjoyed observing and learning about the universe we live in. Being able to study the radiation emitted by stars to the fundamental building blocks of subatomic particles are two prime examples of units that I personally found the most interesting as they touch upon areas of physics you may not necessarily have come across before in previous years. As well as these, in AS alone you will get to study the behaviour of solids under stress, mechanics, waves and electrify and circuits so there is a wide base covered in the first year alone, some units you will peaking the interests of individuals more than others. In studying physics, you will build a strong base of skills applicable in many fields, not only will it enhance your view of mathematics, but it will provoke the thought process of applying mathematics to real world problems, which in turn makes many of the equations you spent learning in GCSE actually seem useful, a statement often doubted by many GCSE maths students. In addition to this, you will think more critically and methodically in problem solving, which makes you a popular candidate for many career paths as you will be able to break down and analyse situations, a common occurrence in a lot of vacancies. When applying for universities, studying physics opens up a broad range of opportunities to you. It is the subject that will allow you to study any engineering job, it also aids the other sciences perfectly for other studies in those fields, but often unrealised is the difference it can make to other courses. For those who are hoping to study business, finance or economics, physics is a massive boost to your application as you will have the upper hand of data handling compared to other applicants (data handling is very useful in the business world and physics does a lot of it). For me personally I am hoping to study physics at university specialising in either quantum Physics (behaviour of subatomic particles) or astrophysics (applying physical laws to celestial bodies) – hopefully it is becoming apparent why I am studying physics – and so studying physics only affirmed my passion for the subject. It is one of the most interesting subjects you can do, and it will make you the “cool” friend of the group, I can attest. Being a postgraduate in physics doesn’t just restrict you to physics as you are more than adequately equipped with the skills to go into data handling, engineering or banking, physics is even a popular background for a lot of the most well established lawyers.

Thank you for making it to the end!

Louis Year 13 Physics Student

Just some of the Careers using Physics (Click on the links for more information from UCAS)

Aerospace engineer

Aerospace engineers design and build aircraft and spacecraft

Airline pilot

Airline pilots fly goods and people to destinations across the world.

Architect

Architects design and create plans and technical drawings of buildings.

Biomedical engineer

Biomedical engineers design, develop, and maintain equipment used for diagnosis.

Biomedical scientist

Biomedical scientists carry out a range of scientific tests to help diagnose and treat diseases.

Broadcast engineer

Broadcast engineers make sure programmes are broadcast at the right time and of the highest quality

Building services engineer

Building services engineers design, install and service equipment and systems found in buildings.

Clinical engineer

Clinical engineers design, develop and maintain equipment used for diagnosing and treating patients.

Electrician

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems.

General practitioner

General practitioners (GPs) are doctors who provide medical services to people in their practice.

Hospital doctor

A hospital doctor diagnoses and treats illness and disease in patients admitted to hospital.

Lighting technician

Lighting technicians produce, rig and build lighting systems used in film, TV and live events.

Mining engineer

Join a multi-billion dollar global industry providing the minerals we need for a low carbon future.

Offshore drilling worker

Offshore drilling workers work in a variety of roles on oil or gas rigs.

Paediatrician

Paediatricians diagnose and treat health conditions that affect babies, children and young people.

Petroleum engineer

Petroleum engineers are involved in all parts of the oil and gas production process.

Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs and chemicals on animals, people and plants.

Plumber

Plumbers fit and repair water systems.

Primary school teacher

Primary school teachers teach children from the ages of four to 11

Quantity surveyor

Quantity surveyors manage the costs and budget of a building project from outset to completion.

Radiographer

Radiographers use equipment to diagnose or treat patients who are ill or injured.

Secondary school teacher

Secondary school teachers teach children from the ages of 11 to 18.

Software developer

Software developers design, build and test computer programmes.

Telecommunications engineer

Telecommunications engineers fit and maintain phone and internet systems.

Television/film producer

Producers manage media projects from beginning to completion.

Veterinary surgeon

Veterinary surgeons look after sick and injured animals.

Zookeeper

Zookeepers look after animals in zoos, safari parks, aquariums and sometimes in the wild.

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Aims and Objectives

Course Intentions

All content is introduced in such a way that it develops each learners’ ability to:

Testimonials

Just some of the Careers using Physics (Click on the links for more information from UCAS)

Get in touch at

Head of Sixth Form