Physics A Level
Course Overview
Physics affects every part of our daily lives, from civil, mechanical, motor and aeronautical engineering, to how we have harnessed both nuclear energy to heat and light our environment, and waves to communicate. In this exciting and challenging subject, you will examine the origins and structure of the universe, from subatomic particles to the vast areas of the cosmos.
You will be able to show how gravitational fields change as you move further away from planets and will study how gravity determines the changes in the universe and be able to explain the origins and fate of the universe. The world of medicine is used to show how the application of physics principles is integral to medical scanners. You will know how Einstein’s theory can be used to predict the output of energy from fusion and fission reactions.
In Year 1, you will cover Forces, Motion, Electrons, Waves and Photons. In Year 2, you will cover Newtonian World, Astrophysics, Fields, Particles and Medical Physics. The topics covered build on concepts you learnt in your first year, increasing in interest as we explore more challenging aspects of Physics. By the end of the course, you will be able to show how gravitational fields change as you move further away from planets, understand how gravity determines the changes in the universe, be able to explain the origins and fate of the universe, and you will know how Einstein’s theory can be used to predict the output of energy from fusion and fission reactions.
We place a strong emphasis on developing your practical skills; you will become familiar with SI units and standard prefixes used throughout Physics, and learn the scientific skills of planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating through practical work completed in our Physics laboratory. You will assess errors and the accuracy of your experimental results and make a decision on the validity of your results and the conclusions which you have made.
Year 1 Modules
- Forces and Motion
- Electrons, Waves and Photons
Year 2 Modules
- Newtonian World and Astrophysics
- Fields, Particles and Medical Physics
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:
- Grade 6 in GCSE Maths
- Grade 6 in GCSE Physics
- Grade 6 in another GCSE Science or GCSE Double Science
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature
Assessment
- 100% Exam
- Exam Board: OCR Physics A
132
Total students
19
Average class size
Why choose this course?
You will enjoy this course if you have a genuine interest and ability in the subject, and a desire to achieve your very best. Physics is an exciting and challenging subject which examines both the origins and the structure of the universe, from subatomic particles to the vast areas of the cosmos. Physics affects every part of our daily lives, from civil, mechanical and motor engineering, to how we have harnessed both nuclear energy to heat and light our environment, and waves to communicate.
Visits include the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, to STEM events at Duxford, Engineering Education Scheme projects and a day at the Kalvii Institute of Cosmology in Cambridge. TWI have visited us to teach a specialised Physics class. Students are encouraged to join the Nuffield Bursary scheme to enable them to experience work in a scientific organisation, and to take part in the Headstart Programme.
Skills you'll gain
We place a strong emphasis on developing your practical skills; you will become familiar with SI units and standard prefixes used throughout Physics, and learn the scientific skills of planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating through practical work completed in our Physics laboratory. You will assess errors and the accuracy of your experimental results and make a decision on the validity of your results and the conclusions which you have made.
After Long Road
Many of our students go on to take Physics related degrees including:
- Motor Sport Engineering
- Computer Games Technology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Architecture
...and, of course, all branches of Engineering, for which Physics is essential!
Some of our students have successfully entered Higher Apprenticeships with companies.
I like the way everything is interlinked and how it relates to real life.
