PHYSICS
LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: AQA
Physics will be of interest if you are curious about the world around you, how things work and the fundamental nature of the universe.
Topics build upon your GCSE knowledge and link together to show how using the scientific method and problem-solving skills we can describe the universe from the Big Bang to today and tomorrow.
The course includes a significant amount of practical experiments that you carry out in our well-equipped laboratories.
The use of computers and data loggers is embedded throughout the course.
Students have the opportunity to take part in various enrichment including the Senior Physics Challenge and trips to Hinkley Nuclear Power Station and CERN in Geneva.
You will study the following topics:
- Particle Physics and Quantum Phenomena
- Waves
- Mechanics and Materials
- Electricity
- Simple Harmonic Motion
- Thermal Physics
- Gravitational and Electromagnetic Fields
- Nuclear Physics
- Astrophysics.
As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):
- GCSE Mathematics grade 6
- GCSE English Language grade 4
- GCSE Physics/Double Science grade 6
- plus two more GCSEs at grade 4
It is highly recommended you study A Level Maths alongside Physics. Core Maths is not sufficient.
If you want to study Physics without a Maths A Level, you must also be studying either Computer Science or Chemistry and have achieved a grade 7 in GSCE Maths.
For Physics to be taken as a third science alongside Biology and Chemistry, you will need to have achieved GCSE Maths grade 7.
It is recommended you have:
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 5
It is not recommended to combine this subject with Applied Science, as the courses contain similar content.
There are three, 2 hour written exams at end of the course and a separate practical component assessed throughout the course.
If you intend to study Physics, Electronics or other closely-related subjects at degree level than Physics A Level will be essential and Engineering at university will require Physics A Level in most cases.
Students with Physics A Level are particularly highly sought after, as they have attributes such as excellent problem-solving skills which are much in demand. For example, many Medical schools and Business/Economics departments appreciate the abilities that Physics students have and look upon such students favourably.
Past students have gone onto Russell Group Universities including Oxbridge to study subjects like Physics, Engineering or Maths degrees.
Other destinations include Apprenticeships with employers including National Grid, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and EDF.
Physics has one of the highest earnings outcomes for A Level subjects.
Will I be the only female/non-binary student doing Physics?
Trends indicate that nationally male students are more likely to choose A Level Physics than female students, including among students who achieve a top GCSE grade.
We want this to change and encourage all genders to find a passion for Physics.
Currently, around 20% of Physics students are female.
Due to the large number of students doing Physics at Huish, there are usually several female students in each class.