Nature of the Subject

A level Physics gives you the opportunity to explore the phenomena of the universe and to look at theories that explain what is observed.  

This subject combines practical skills with theoretical ideas to develop descriptions of the physical universe.  You will learn about everything from kinematics to cosmology and many recent developments in fascinating topics, such as particle physics. 

If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between this is the subject for you. Physics is more than a subject – it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries.

Syllabus & Content

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics are:

• Models of physical systems Physics is the science that seeks to understand the behaviour of the Universe. The development of models of physical systems is central to physics. Models simplify, explain and predict how physical systems behave. 

• Testing predictions against evidence Physical models are usually based on prior observations, and their predictions are tested to check that they are consistent with the behaviour of the real world. This testing requires evidence, often obtained from experiments. 

• Mathematics as a language, and problem-solving tool Mathematics is integral to physics, as it is the language that is used to express physical principles and models. It is also a tool to analyse theoretical models, solve quantitative problems and produce predictions.

 • Matter, energy and waves Everything in the Universe comprises matter and/or energy. Waves are a key mechanism for the transfer of energy and are essential to many modern applications of physics.

 • Forces and fields The way that matter and energy interact is through forces and fields. The behaviour of the Universe is governed by fundamental forces with different magnitudes that interact over different distances. Physics involves study of these interactions across distances rang

Assessment

The full International A-level is intended to be taken over two years. The specification content for the International AS is half that of an International A-level.

The International AS content will be 50% of the International A-level content. International AS assessments contribute 40% of the total marks for the full International A-level qualification. The remaining 60% comes from the International A2 assessments.

The students will sit 3 exams in Y12 and the two more in Y13.  

Teacher Introduction

The goal of physics is to understand how things work from first principles.   The A Level course  broadens one's scientific literacy, working towards a degree in physics, engineering or a wide range of other fields.  

Physics reveals the mathematical beauty of the universe at scales ranging from subatomic to cosmological. Studying physics strengthens quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills that are valuable in areas beyond physics.