PHYSICS Exam Board: OCR Physics A Syllabus: A-level: H556 Consult: Mr Blair Dr Carter WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? This course will provide a sound knowledge of the principles of physics and advanced scientific method, desirable for life in a scientific and technological society. As well as being an essential qualification for entry to many Higher Education courses, it is also particularly relevant if you are considering a career involving Engineering, Communications and Media, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Computing, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Nursing, Forestry, Meteorology and V.S.O. (Voluntary Service Overseas). Physics is concerned with understanding how and why the world around us behaves as it does, and the course is taught with this in mind. Emphasis is placed on active questioning, subsequent debate, experimental work and investigation, and the ability to reason problems in a logical way.
CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN Year 12 Modules: • Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Physics • Module 2 – Foundations of Physics • Module 3 – Forces and motion • Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons. A-level Modules (in addition to the Year 12 Modules above) • Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics • Module 6 – Particles and medical physics • Practical endorsement - a pass/fail component separate from the final grade. A minimum of 10% of the final exam will be based on questions relating to practical techniques.
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ASSESSMENT The A-level is assessed by three examinations EXTRACURRICULAR In the spring term of the 2nd year there may be a trip to CERN; the Large Hadron Collider, in Switzerland. This part of the visit closely supports the particle physics course content but also supports general scientific principles of investigation along with various elements of engineering. AFTER ASHCOMBE Physics is a very useful subject for the majority of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers and you’ll find physicists everywhere, in industry, transport, government, universities, the armed forces, the secret service, games companies, research labs and more.
