Physics
Examination Board: Edexcel
Lead Teacher:
Director of Learning - Carl Wadey
cwadey@tottenhamutc.co.uk
What is subject name?
AS and A-Level Physics
Progression – what can I do with Physics?
Careers: Employment in the area of in a wide range of areas from medicine, radiography,
biotechnology, and an ever increasing field of engineering. Physics is highly regarded and prized for
the skills required and gains entry to the widest possible range of courses and employment.
Higher and Further Education: This course is designed to prepare you for further studies in the
Physical Sciences. It is ideal for those students who wish to read Physics, Sciences, Medicine,
Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics at University.
This course is also extremely rewarding for those students wishing to pursue non-scientific careers,
for example in Law, Design, Architecture, Accountancy and Business Studies as the principles of
problem solving and understanding of concepts are transferable to many disciplines.
How is the course assessed?
AS-Level: Your progress will be monitored closely by your teachers throughout the course. At AS you
will study mechanics, materials, electricity, waves and quantum physics. You will sit two exams and be
assessed on your practical ability.
Total of three hours assessment split over two examination papers (2 x 1 hour 30 minutes) taken at
the end of the one year course. There is a wide range of question types including: multiple choice,
short answer and extended response questions. There is an opportunity to demonstrate your
knowledge of both theory and practical skills through the examinations.
A-Level: At A2 you will study further mechanics, fields, particle physics, thermal energy, nuclear decay,
oscillations and astrophysics. You will sit a further two exams and be assessed on your practical ability.
Total of six hours assessment split over three examination papers (2 x 2 hours 15 minutes and 1 x 1
hour 30 minutes) taken at the end of the two year course. There is a wide range of question types
including: multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions. There is an opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge of both theory and practical skills through the examinations. To achieve
a Practical Endorsement (A-Level only), through a range of experiments throughout the course, you
will become competent in: following procedures, applying an investigative approach when using
instruments and equipment, working safely, making and recording observations, researching,
referencing and reporting.
Entry requirements
GCSE Core Science (A*-B) and Additional Science (A*-B), and an overall grade average of A*-B at
GCSEs.
OR
GCSE Triple Science (A*-B in at least two of the subjects including GCSE Physics), and an overall grade
average of A*-B at GCSEs.
What students who study the subject say:
“I love Physics because it helps me to understand why things are the way they are.”