PHYSICS
The AQA Physics A syllabus is one of the most widely followed and easy to understand A-level
physics courses available. It is also highly respected by Universities as a course which gives an
excellent grounding for those who wish to go onto to study scientific or engineering courses.
From 2015, Physics can be studied as either a standalone AS course for one year, or as a full 2 year
A-level course. All students will sit the AS exams at the end of the first year, with those going on to
the second year of the course sitting further exams, in which the full range of content from across the
two years will be examined.
Whichever option you choose, you will study fascinating topics and carry out engaging practical work
throughout the year.
Unit Titles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Measurements and their errors
Particles and radiation
Waves
Mechanics and materials
Electricity
Examination Details:
AS – 2 written papers, each of which is 1hr 30 min
A-Level – 3 written papers, each of which is 2
hours.
6. Further mechanics and thermal physics
7. Fields and their consequences
8. Nuclear physics
9. Turning points in physics
What qualifications do I need?
This course is suitable for students who have achieved a grade ‘C’ or above in Y10 ‘Core’ and Y11
‘Additional’ GCSE Science’ (or equivalent ) and also a grade ‘C’ or above in Mathematics.
An interest in and willingness to read around the subject area and in other areas of science will
enhance your understanding and increase your ability to access many aspects of the course.
Equipment
Students will be supplied with a copy of the core text book for each year of the course in return for a
fully refundable deposit. You will be expected to provide yourself with an appropriate scientific
calculator. Supplementary reading is advised to broaden your scope of knowledge and we can
recommend appropriate revision guides.
Assessment
Assessment for AS Physics involves 2 written papers examining all AS topics (Topics 1-5) including
practical skills and data analysis. Each paper has a weighting of 50% of the AS-level qualification.
Assessment for the full A-level involves 3 written papers. Paper 1 examines Topics 1-5 and part of
Topic 6, and is worth 34% of the A-level. Paper 2 examines Topics 6-8 and is also worth 34%.
Finally, Paper 3 examines practical skills, data analysis, and Topic 9 and is worth 32% of the A-level.
General Comments
There is a strong emphasis on guided independent study and research throughout the course. The
successful student will be well organised and highly motivated, making good use of private study time
to explore further aspects of the syllabus or the subject in general.
Future Prospects
A GCE qualification in Physics will enable you to consider a wide range of degree and career
prospects including business and marketing, accountancy, teaching, finance, IT, computer
programming, any form of scientific research and development, scientific journalism and of course
particularly any aspect of physics or engineering.
Employers value the analytical skills of physicists highly as experience shows them that these can be
applied in a surprising variety of ways.