Physics

Jack Woosey
Head of Science
jack.woosey10@fearnhill.herts.sch.uk

A Level

BASIC COURSE DETAILS

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences, with its ultimate goal being to understand any and all aspects of our universe, from the apparently simple (e.g. the motion of a dropped object) to the highly complex (the decay of particles smaller than atoms).

IS IT FOR ME?

This course is for those who want to know just how and why the natural world works as it does, and covers a wide range of physics topics from the tiniest scale of sub-atomic particles to the evolution of the cosmos. It aims develop an interest and enthusiasm for the subject along with the full skill-set needed to be successful within it (practicing physics requires a high level of mathematical, communication and thinking skills). While it not essential to study A Level mathematics alongside A Level physics it can be highly beneficial and it is highly recommended. The mathematical nature of many of the physics topics are well supported by the skills and techniques used in the mathematics course.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Module 1: Particles and radiation
Module 2: Waves
Module 3: Mechanics and energy
Module 4: Electricity
Module 5: Further Mechanics and thermal physics
Module 6: Fields
Module 7: Nuclear Physics
Skills modules
Optional Module in Turning points in physics

WHAT DOES STUDYING PHYSICS LEAD ON TO?

Physics is a useful qualification for many university courses or career paths, particularly within the physical sciences, and is directly applicable to those involving engineering and information/communication technology. It also directly links to careers within design, the armed forces and sports science. The skills it develops are also valued within a wide range of other careers, such as the financial industry.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There will be three external written exam papers as broken down below:

Paper 1

What’s assessed

Sections 1-5 and 6.1 (Periodic Motion)

Assessed

Written exam: 2 hours
85 marks
34% of A-level

Questions

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 2

What’s assessed

Section 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8

Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1

Assessed

Written exam: 2 hours
85 marks
34% of A-level

Questions

60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 3

What’s assessed

Section A: compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis

Section B: Students enter for one of sections 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13

Assessed

Written exam: 2 hours
80 marks
32% of A-level

Questions

45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.

35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

Practical Endorsement

Practical endorsement in physics is achieved by successfully completing a series of
practical tasks over the two years of the course. Paper 3 will partially focus on the
practical element of the course.