Curriculum Leader: Mr J. Barnes
A Level Teachers: Mr J. Barnes, Mrs K. Walley
Examining Board: OCR, Physics A
Coursework content: One piece at AS and A2 level
Form of examination: AS 2 written examinations
A2 2 written examinations
Should I choose this subject?
At A level you will learn a range of skills including working effectively with data, thinking and planning logically, supporting or disproving arguments and analysing and evaluating evidence. During practical lessons you will make careful and precise measurements by using a range of apparatus.
Energy resource technology and astronomy are on the cutting edge of knowledge and are frequently in the news. You can support your A level studies by reading scientific articles and watching documentaries on TV.
What is it about?
Topics covered at AS are Mechanics, Electrons, Waves and Photons. At A2 the topics are; The Newtonian World, Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics. The course builds on GCSE and extends understanding and application further.
How will it be studied?
Teaching methods include class discussion, own research, presenting ideas, working through problems, practical investigations and experiments. Practical work is examined by coursework. The written examinations consist largely of structured questions, and at both AS and A2 level last for either 1 hour or 1 hour 45 minutes.
How will physics be useful in the future?
Physics is a skills based subject which will help you to develop a range of transferable skills. It demonstrates that you have high levels of numeracy, an ability to look at problems from more that one perspective and leads to a wide range of university science courses such as Physics, Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Engineering, as well as non scientific ones such as Accountancy, Economics, Architecture, Surveying, Law.