Physics
Physics
Employers value Physics, as it shows a person who can not only problem-solve but also explain their reasoning clearly and in a logical manner. It also demonstrates that you can think qualitatively and quantitatively; as such it is useful in any career. Besides the more obvious areas, such as engineering, optometry, architecture and rocket science, Physics will be useful if you want to work in the technical aspects of film production, as a medical physicist in a hospital or virtually any scientific or technological company. It could also allow you to become a specialist journalist or lawyer; with Physics, the possibilities are endless!
You will revisit many of the topics you studied at GCSE but in a much more in-depth and applied manner.
You will also tackle some completely new topics such as particle physics and cosmology.
You will learn how to structure your quantitative and qualitative thinking independently, and how to demonstrate this clearly.
We do spend a significant portion of time thinking mathematically, so a good grade at GCSE Mathematics is vital. We would strongly recommend studying at least AS Mathematics.
The ability to think independently is vital to ensure you become secure in your knowledge, as is the ability to persevere when the going gets tough with some of the trickier ideas in this course!
Practical work and techniques are vitally important and encountered frequently; do you enjoy practicals?
If you have a natural curiosity in the physical world around you and like knowing how things work then this is the course for you.
In the current circumstances there is no option to take AS examinations at the end of Lower Sixth due to the quantity and applied understanding required of the course content and the early timing of the examinations.
The A Level will be assessed by means of two 1 hour 45 minutes papers and one synoptic-style 2 hours 30 minutes paper at the end of the course (Upper Sixth).
The questions will be a mixture of calculations, multiple-choice, short open-response, and extended writing questions.
Practical work will be continually assessed and is reported by the teachers as a pass or fail alongside the final grade. There is no practical examination.
The Exam Board is Edexcel.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mrs Amy Emery, Head of Physics, on ae@farlingtonschool.com