Physics (A-Level

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Le vels

Physics

Physics is the most basic and fundamental Science. It focuses on improving our detailed understanding of nature’s most fundamental laws and on using basic principles to explain the remarkable complexity observed in natural phenomena.

The A-Level Physics qualification provides a seamless progression from GCSE and enables students to sustain and develop an interest in Physics and its applications. Practical work is a fundamental part of the course with students having to study core practicals.

COURSE AIMS • Sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in Physics • Develop essential knowledge and understanding in Physics by developing the skills needed for the use of this knowledge and understanding in new and changing situation • Appreciate the importance of Physical laws in everyday life • Develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment • Appreciate how Physics has developed and is used in present day society • Show how Physics links with social, philosophical, economic, industrial and environmental matters • Understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles • Bring together knowledge of ways in which different areas of Physics relate to each other

219 A-Level

ADVICE Students opting for this course should: • Have an interest in, and enjoyment in Physics • Have good mathematical skills, enabling them to conduct multi-step calculations • Want to find out how things in the physical world work • Enjoy applying their mind to solving problems • Enjoy carrying out investigations using imaginative, logical thinking • Want to use Physics to support other qualifications or progress onto further studies or employment

ENTRY CRITERIA A minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Physics or two grade 6s in GCSE Combined Science. A minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics is highly recommended as the students have to be very numerate.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA There are five units in total, each having a two hour examination that consists of both short answer and multichoice questions. Two examinations are sat in May of Year 12; one in January of Year 13 and two in the summer. Each paper has equal weighting.

UNIT 1: Mechanics, materials and atoms

UNIT 2: Electricity, waves and particles

UNIT 3: Fields and their consequences

UNIT 4: Energy and energy resources

UNIT 5: Physics in practice