Physics 

What will I study?

Year 12 taught topics

Unit 1 topics: Mechanics and Electric Circuits

Unit 2 topics: Materials, and Waves and the Particle Nature of Light.

At the end of Year 12/13, we offer a 2 night and 3 day visit to the Large Hadron Collider Particle Accelerator at CERN, Geneva.

Year 13 taught topics

Unit 1 topics: Further Mechanics, Electric and Magnetic Fields, and Nuclear and Particle Physics.

Unit 2 topics: Thermodynamics, Space, Nuclear Radiation, Gravitational Fields, and Oscillations.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of Year 13 you will be assessed by three examinations papers:

Unit 1 Advanced Physics I

This exams covers the Unit 1 topics from year 12 and Year 13 (listed above). It is a 1 hr 45 min exam and contributes 30% towards the final grade.

Unit 2 Advanced Physics II

This exams covers the Unit 2 topics from year 12 and Year 13 (listed above). It is a 1 hr 45 min exam and contributes 30% towards the final grade.

Unit 3 General and Practical Principles in Physics

This is examined through a synoptic paper that may draw upon questions on any of the topics in the A Level Physics, but there is a focus on the core practicals. It is a 2 hr 30 min exam and contributes 40% towards the final grade.

Science Practical Endorsement

This qualification will allow students to use apparatus and techniques to develop practical skills. The Endorsement will not contribute to the overall grade for this qualification, but will be recorded on the

student’s certificate.

Where might this lead?

This qualification supports progression into higher education courses in Physics, Engineering, Electronics, Medicine, Dentistry or Environmental Science.