Physics

Physics is not only a collection of concepts from subatomic particles to the Universe, it is a set of different ways of thinking that have led to countless descriptions and explanations for the way the Universe works.

A-Level Physics will build on your understanding of mechanics, electricity, waves and materials studied at GCSE. These ideas will be applied to real life situations such as rock climbing, development of new materials, archaeology and why diamonds sparkle. Building on these foundations the course studies gravitational, electric, magnetic fields leading to applications of these ideas to areas such as particle physics, medical physics and astrophysics.

Exam board: We study OCR Physics.

Entry Requirements: As well as the standard Sixth Form requirements, you must also have GCSE Physics Grade 6, or Combined Science Grade 6-6 and GCSE Mathematics Grade 6.

Key Content: In this course you will develop your skills in critical thinking, reasoning, logic and mathematics. There is a substantial focus on mathematical skills in the A-Level, with 40% of the assessment covering mathematical skills. At least 15% of the exam will be assessing practical skills. The course is structured into six themes. These are Practical Skills, Foundations in Physics, Forces and motion, Electrons, waves and photons, Newtonian world and astrophysics, and Particles and medical physics.

What is the work like?

As an example of the kind of work that you will cover during the A-Level course, please find the pre-A-Level material that we asked Year 11 to complete before starting their course with us in September.

Assessment

Paper 1: Modelling physics (H566/01) 2 hrs 15, 37% -This covers content from themes 1, 2, 3 and 5
Paper 2: Exploring Physics (H566/02) 2 hrs15 - 37% -This covers content from themes 1, 2, 4 and 6
Paper 3: Unified physics (H566/03) 1 hr 30 - 26% - This covers content from all themes.

Practical Endorsement (H566/04). Students complete a minimum of 12 key practicals over the two year course and are awarded a pass/fail grade alongside their A level result.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

Mr King will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. You are welcome to email him on ben.king@twynhamschool.com.  

To ask a Physics student more about the course, please email student@twynhamsixthform.com and they will be happy to help you.