Course Overview
The aims of the course are to develop your interest in Physics; the course builds upon concepts you have met at GCSE, and will also introduce new theories, ideas and techniques which are fundamental to understanding the world around us. Physics is the most fundamental science, and a deeper understanding of physics will be invaluable if you intend to pursue any science or engineering based courses. Physics is also strongly recommended for courses in Astronomy and Mathematics as it unlocks a deeper understanding to these subjects.
Although it is not essential to also be studying Mathematics at A Level it is strongly advisable. Those who do not will be expected to maintain the level of mathematical techniques and new mathematical concepts that will be introduced in their free time in order to succeed in A Level Physics.
Course Content
This course is split into six modules and combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitutes the full A Level qualification.
The modules can be summarised as:
1 Development of practical skills in physics
2 Foundations of physics
3 Forces and motion
4 Electrons waves and photons
5 Newtonian world and astrophysics
6 Particles and medical physics
Teaching of practical skills is integrated with theoretical topics and they are both assessed through the written exam papers. For the practical endorsement, your class teachers will assess your practical skills in lessons, with a minimum of 12 practical activities to be carried out over the 2 years. At the end of the course, this will be reported separately to the exam grade as a pass or fail.
Course Entry Requirements
6 or above in GCSE Mathematics
6 or above in GCSE Physics or 7-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science
Course Specification
OCR H556
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171726-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-physics-a-h556.pdf
Homework
At A Level, students are expected to complete a minimum of 5 hours of study a week on top of their allocated lesson time.