Head of Department
Ms F Wright
Key Stage 5 Physics Co-ordinator
Dr C Pumphrey
Why choose the subject?
Studying physics not only provides a broad training in skills that are highly valued and well rewarded by employers; it also keeps your options open.
Some physicists apply their knowledge in healthcare (medical physics), studying the processes of the Earth (geophysics) or the climate (meteorology). Others investigate the universe; searching for extra-solar planets or looking for the remnants of the big bang. Others still play a vital role in many technology-based industries such as optoelectronics, nanotechnology, computing and renewable energy.
Who is eligible?
Students who have a double science qualification should preferably have a grade 7 (or above). Students who have sat triple science awards should have a minimum of a grade 6 in Physics and ideally Mathematics grade 6. It is not necessary to take A level Maths.
It is also vital that students should have an interest in and enthusiasm for, the subject. The willingness to take on a challenge and the resourcefulness to overcome difficulties, with the help on offer, are other important qualities.
Qualification Type: A Level (2 year)
Specification: Year 2026/2028 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: OCR
Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. It relies on mathematical and experimental data to formulate the laws of nature that govern the world around us. Moreover, it’s the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy (and can be applied to biology or medical science).
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Physics
Planning; implementing; analysis; evaluation.
Module 2 – Foundations of Physics
Physical quantities; S.I. units; measurements and uncertainties; nature of quantities.
Module 3 – Forces and motion
Motion; forces in action; work, energy and power; materials; Newton’s laws of motion and momentum.
Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
Charge and current; energy, power and resistance; electrical circuits; waves; quantum physics
Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
Thermal physics; circular motion; oscillations; gravitational fields; astrophysics and cosmology.
Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
Capacitors; electric fields; electromagnetism; nuclear and particle physics; medical imaging.
Students will study the OCR exam board’s A Level Physics A specification (H556).
The A level Physics specification includes the four modules taught in Year 12 and an additional two modules taught in Year 13. There are two exam papers of length two hours fifteen minutes and a third of one hour 30 minutes. All of these papers will include a combination of short structured and extended response questions.
Paper (01) examines modules 1, 2, 3 and 5; Paper (02) examines modules 1, 2, 4 and 6; Paper 3 examines the content from all six modules.
Practical skills underpin A level physics and there are a minimum of six practicals which are required to be completed in each year. Practical skills will be examined in the written papers.
Exam paper (01) Modelling Physics
2 hours 15 minutes written paper, 100 marks, 37% of total A level.
Exam paper (02) Exploring Physics
2 hours 15 minutes written paper, 100 marks, 37% of total A level.
Exam paper (03) Unified Physics
1 hour 30 minutes written paper, 70 marks, 26% of total A level.
Practical Endorsement in Physics (04)
Non exam assessment
Physics is an intellectually challenging, but rewarding subject in which students apply logical thought to develop problem solving skills. The analytical skills developed will last a lifetime and make physicists versatile and adaptable. The A-Level course allows flexibility of interest for those who may go on to further study in Physics and also to those who go on to study Chemistry, Medicine, Engineering and other allied subjects. It is designed to provide a broad scientific base.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, physics complements several other A-Level courses, including maths, biology, physics and computer science.
Future Careers:
Astronomy, astrophysics, quantum physicist, climate science, teaching, research physicist.
