Physics

A level | AQA

Physicists are incredibly sought after because of our range of skills and the way we interpret the world around us. We study everything about the natural world and how it works, from the particles that build matter to the galaxies that make up the universe itself. Studying A Level Physics will develop you into a student who is highly numerate, analytical, logical, a creative thinker and excellent at problem solving. Universities and businesses regard all of these very highly.

Progression Opportunities

According to bestcourse4me.com the top seven degree courses taken by students who have A level Physics are:

• Mathematics • Physics • Mechanical Engineering • Computer Science • Civil Engineering • Economics • Business

Subject Visits and Enrichment Opportunities

Y12 CERN Visit: Geneva, Switzerland. What are the great questions of contemporary physics? What is the Higgs Boson and what does it tell us about the origins of the Universe? What is the role of CERN, its focus and objectives? What are the experiments conducted on its premises? In Y12 students have the opportunity to discover the mysteries of the Universe and the work of the world’s biggest physics laboratory at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland as well as exploring the beautiful city and local culture. The University of Sussex Schools Lab programme: Y12 and Y13. Students have the opportunity to attend a day at the University of Sussex completing a range of experimental work in group challenges related to the A level course. Students will meet a member of the physics department and attend a research lecture as well as a tour of a working lab. Entry Requirements

• Grade 6-5 in Combined Science • Grade 6 in Maths

or • Grade 6 in Physics plus Grade 5 in another Science • Grade 6 in Maths

Assessment Overview

Paper 1 - 85 MARKS, 34% weighting, 2 hours • 60 marks of short and long answer questions • 25 marks of multiple choice questions • Covering content from Year 1 of the course Paper 2 - 85 MARKS, 34% weighting, 2 hours • 60 marks of short and long answer questions • 25 marks of multiple choice questions • Covering content from Year 2 of the course Paper 3 - 80 MARKS, 32% weighting, 2 hours • 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 on Turning Points in Physics