Menu
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), although those with a grade 6 will be considered. 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) or AS Level (1 year)
Specification: Year 2023/2025 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: OCR
For info about the AS Level click here
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.
Students can study physics for just one academic year and achieve an AS qualification worth 40% of the UCAS points.
Year 2023/2024 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: OCR
Students will study the OCR exam board’s AS Level Physics A specification (H156).
The content is divided into four teaching modules and each module is further divided into key topics. Some of these topics will be familiar to you from GCSE and A level will build upon the knowledge and understanding you already have. Other topics will be new to you.
Assessment will be in the form of two written papers, each one hour 30 minutes in length and made up of a combination of short structured and extended response questions. 40% of the marks in both of the exams rely upon the use of mathematical skills. There are a minimum of six practical tasks carried out by students during the year and some of the skills involved in these will be examined within both of the written papers.
The AS content is taught as part of the A level course.
The four teaching modules, along with the key topics they are divided into, are shown below:
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.
Both exams assess content from all four modules.
