Classical Greek

Physics

Examination Board: AQA

A-level Physics is a stepping stone to further study of a science-based subject at university. It is an extremely versatile qualification and is essential for Electronics, Engineering and pure Sciences, and very useful for auxiliary science-based subjects, such as Medicine. The intellectual training that one gets studying Physics, such as the use of applied mathematics and logical reasoning, as well as the scientific approach to problem-solving, can be considered useful for any profession. We follow the AQA Physics Specification 7408. This subject is an essential A-level choice for students who have already made up their minds to study Physics or Engineering at university; it is also useful for students who are considering a degree in any of the Sciences or Social Sciences and students who wish to broaden their education in preparation for university life and the world beyond. A GSCE Mathematics grade 9 to 7 is necessary. It is preferential but not essential to study A-level Mathematics.

Core content

1. Measurements and their Errors 2. Particles and Radiation 3. Waves 4. Mechanics and Materials 5. Electricity 6. Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics 7. Fields and their Consequences 8. Nuclear Physics

You can then pick one A-level option topic from:

9. Astrophysics 10. Medical Physics 11. Engineering Physics 12. Turning Points in Physics 13. Electronics

Assessment criteria

Paper 1 A-level

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.

Assessment criteria

Paper 2 A-level

Sections 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.

Assessment criteria

Paper 3 A-level

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 an optional topic.

Politics

Politics is a ‘living subject’; students must have a keen interest in current affairs and contemporary politics in both the United Kingdom and the USA. You will need to be able to analyse critically, evaluate evidence and write in a fluent and developed manner. You will learn how to present an issue and how to defend a view and challenge the opposing argument.

Students will be expected to read British and American newspapers, watch the news and programmes such as 'The Andrew Marr Show' and 'Question Time'.

Politics is well-regarded as an A-level subject and provides good preparation for degrees such as History, Law, Economics and Philosophy. Politics combines well with a variety of subjects.

Component 1 - UK Politics

Written examination: 2 hours

Content overview

■ Political Participation, students will study:

Democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.

■ Core Political Ideas, students will study: Conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Assessment overview

Section A: Political Participation: two 30-mark questions Section B: Core Political Ideas: one 24-mark question

Component 2 - UK Government

Written examination: 2 hours

Content overview

■ UK Government, students will study:

The constitution, parliament, Prime

Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.

■ Optional Political Ideas, students will study:

One idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.

Assessment overview

Section A: UK Government: two 30-mark questions Section B: Optional Political Ideas: one 24-mark question

Component 3 - Comparative Politics

Written examination: 2 hours

Content overview

■ The USA, students will study:

The US Constitution and federalism, US

Congress, US president, US Supreme

Court, democracy and participation, civil rights.

Assessment overview

Section A: 12-mark question Section B: 12-mark question Two 30-mark questions