A Level Physics

`Kings Ely sixth form`

Academic

A Level Physics

We consistently outperform nationally averaged expectations by some margin.

We were one of the original Nuffield Project pilot schools in the 1970s and 80s and we retain much of that pioneering educational philosophy within the department to this day.

This course reflects Physics as it is practised and used today. The course will provide a satisfying experience for the student who chooses to take Physics as part of a broad post 16 curriculum as well as providing a sound foundation for the student who wishes to go on to take Physics or a related subject at university.

Each student is taught by two teachers over the course of each year.

An A Level in Physics enables a student to go on to degree level studies at University in an enormous range of subjects, but particularly Physics and Engineering. However, at the same time A Level Physics will provide an interesting and stimulating experience for the student who does not pursue the subject any further than King’s Ely Senior.

In any case, the skills required of a physicist are key to a wide range of lucrative professions such as law, IT, Engineering and many more.

Prerequisite
Minimum GCSE grade 7 for Double Award Science/Physics. As 40% of the Physics course has mathematical content, grade 7 or equivalent at GCSE Maths. It is strongly recommended that students study A Level Maths alongside the Physics A Level course.

Prerequisite

Minimum GCSE grade 7 for Double Award Science/Physics.

As 40% of the Physics course has mathematical content, grade 7 or equivalent at GCSE Maths.

It is strongly recommended that students study A Level Maths alongside the Physics A Level course.

Topic Overview
The A Level Physics course consists of six modules in total, the first two of which are applied throughout the two year course. Module 1 is entitled ‘The Development of Practical Skills in Physics’ and Module 2 ‘The Foundations of Physics’ and consists of the study of units and the concepts of scalars and vectors. The Year 12 course consists of two modules: Module 3 ‘Forces and Motion’ and Module 4 ‘Electrons, Waves and Photons’. The former involves the study of simple Newtonian mechanics and the latter involves the study of electricity, waves and quantum physics. At the end of Year 12 we give every student a chance to pursue an investigative project that is entirely of their own creation. We see some wonderful work as a result, and many projects are taken to university interviews where they are very well received. The Year 13 course consists of the remaining two modules: Module 5 ‘Newtonian world and astrophysics’ and Module 6 ‘Particles and medical physics’. Module 5 consists of more complex newtonian mechanics, gravitational fields, thermal physics and gases; and Module 6 consists of electric fields, particle physics, nuclear physics and medical imaging.

Topic Overview

The A Level Physics course consists of six modules in total, the first two of which are applied throughout the two year course.

Module 1 is entitled ‘The Development of Practical Skills in Physics’ and Module 2 ‘The Foundations of Physics’ and consists of the study of units and the concepts of scalars and vectors.

The Year 12 course consists of two modules: Module 3 ‘Forces and Motion’ and Module 4 ‘Electrons, Waves and Photons’. The former involves the study of simple Newtonian mechanics and the latter involves the study of electricity, waves and quantum physics.

At the end of Year 12 we give every student a chance to pursue an investigative project that is entirely of their own creation. We see some wonderful work as a result, and many projects are taken to university interviews where they are very well received.

The Year 13 course consists of the remaining two modules: Module 5 ‘Newtonian world and astrophysics’ and Module 6 ‘Particles and medical physics’. Module 5 consists of more complex newtonian mechanics, gravitational fields, thermal physics and gases; and Module 6 consists of electric fields, particle physics, nuclear physics and medical imaging.

Assessment
Component 01 assesses content of Modules 1,2,3 and 5 Written exam: 2 hours 15 mins 100 marks 37% of A Level Questions split into two sections: Section A: 15 marks: Multiple choice questions Section B: 85 marks a mixture of short and extended response questions Component 02 assesses content of Modules 1,2,4 and 6 Written exam: 2 hours 15 mins 100 marks 37% of A Level Questions split into two sections: Section A: 15 marks: Multiple choice questions Section B: 85 marks a mixture of short and extended response questions Component 03 - All practical skills / All content Written exam: 1 hour 30 mins 70 marks 26% of A Level Question styles include short and extended response questions Component 03 - Practical Endorsement in Physics Non-exam assessment Learners complete a minimum of 12 assessed practicals. Pass / Fail awarded by teacher. Physics A Level Exam Specification

Assessment

Component 01 assesses content of Modules 1,2,3 and 5

Written exam:

2 hours 15 mins
100 marks
37% of A Level

Questions split into two sections:

Section A: 15 marks: Multiple choice questions
Section B: 85 marks a mixture of short and extended response questions

Component 02 assesses content of Modules 1,2,4 and 6

Written exam:

2 hours 15 mins
100 marks
37% of A Level

Questions split into two sections:

Section A: 15 marks: Multiple choice questions
Section B: 85 marks a mixture of short and extended response questions

Component 03 - All practical skills / All content

Written exam:

1 hour 30 mins
70 marks
26% of A Level

Question styles include short and extended response questions

Component 03 - Practical Endorsement in Physics

Non-exam assessment
Learners complete a minimum of 12 assessed practicals.
Pass / Fail awarded by teacher.

Physics A Level Exam Specification

`Meet the head of physics`

Ned Kittoe

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EMAIL NED KITTOE

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