There are lots of misconceptions about Physics at A-level:

• you have to take Maths A-level;

• you can't take Physics at A-level if you didn't do separate sciences at GCSE;

• Physics is for boys;

• Physics is for super clever nerds.

Maths is the language of physics so you have to be reasonably good at it, and if you want to take some subjects at a higher level you will also need A-level Maths, but you don't have to take Maths at A-level to take Physics at A-level at QE.

Almost all of the maths needed is covered at GCSE - algebra, graphs, trigonometry - and we'll give you support if you need it.

If you've done double science, don't worry! We start the first year of the course with speed = distance / time and it follows on perfectly from double GCSE Science.

Nationally, about 20% of physics students are girls and at QE we have about the same number so you're very unlikely to be the only girl in your class and a lot of our female students do especially well and go on to study physics or physics-related degrees at university.

All A-levels require hard work and Physics is no different but, if you work hard and complete your homework you will succeed on the course. We have slightly higher entry requirements than some courses, but not a lot higher - a grade 6 or above in Maths and a 66 in Science or a 6 in Physics, plus an average GCSE score of 5.5 or above.

Despite what you might see on TV, you can study Physics without being Sheldon Cooper!