Physics 

Collaboration between QEII & CRHS

Details of the Examination Specification

Physics (A)  OCR H556

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? 

To gain entry to the course you must have achieved at least a Grade 6-6 in Pearson Edexcel Combined Science; we also strongly advise a B in GCSE Mathematics.  The course is intensive and requires extensive outside study to gain the top grades regardless of ability level, as do all A Levels.

What will I learn on this A Level course?  

• Essential knowledge and understanding of Physics and its applications  

• Skills needed to use your knowledge in new and changing situations  

• How Physics has developed and is used in present day society  

• The importance of Physics as a human endeavour which interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters 

What kind of student is this course suitable for? 

This course will appeal to students who:  

• Wish to pursue a career in a Science related profession  

• Have completed IGCSE Physics or Dual Award Science and wish to further their study  

• Enjoy studying a subject that affects their own everyday lives  

• Want to keep their options open. Physics can be combined with a wide range of science and humanities subjects

• Enjoy applying Science and Mathematics to real world problems

 What subjects go well with Physics? 

Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Music 

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? 

The three exams for A Level are taken at the end of Year 13 and are as follows:

Module 1: Practical skills 

Module 2: Foundations of Physics (quantities, units and data) 

Module 3: Forces and Motion 

Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons 

Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics 

Module 6: Fields, Particles and Medical Physics 

• A ‘Practical Endorsement’ (pass or fail) is reported separately from the final grade. 

• Students leaving the course after completing Units 1-4 in Year 12 may take two exam papers and gain an AS Level in Physics.