Physics
A Level
A level Physics helps you understand the world around you in greater depth. It will enable you to analyse large quantities of data, to improve your problem solving skills and be able to break down and analyse complex problems into simple, manageable components. The course is delivered in a succinct teaching style and is focused on exam success. The department delivers the OCR Physics B “Advancing Physics” syllabus at A level. This was developed by the Institute of Physics and offers a fresh approach to the subject, both in content and in the method of delivery.
The subject is taught and examined in units. There are opportunities for individual research, discussion, experimentation and learning practical skills. Lessons are varied and make good use of a variety of media including PowerPoint presentations, DVDs, current magazine articles, Modellus computer simulations and an extensive collection of practical experiments. In addition, there is a comprehensive CD-ROM for students as well as the more conventional textbook. At both AS and A2, there is a mix of practical work and theory, with a chance to develop problem-solving skills.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will need to come with a good grounding in Science, fluency in the English language and a willingness to take responsibility for your own learning. We would expect a B grade or higher in HT GCSE single award physics and mathematics or A grade or higher in dual award science plus a B grade or higher in mathematics. The Mathematical skills required are taught within the course. Those doing A level Mathematics will be at an advantage, although we provide extra support for those not studying A level Mathematics.
Thermochromatic Duck experiment
ASSESSMENT
Examination Board: OCR
| Unit | Level | Name | AS | A2 |
| G491 | AS | Physics in action | 30% | 15% |
| G492 | AS | Understanding processes | 50% | 25% |
| G493 | AS | Physics in practice | 20% | 10% |
| G494 | A2 | Rise and fall of the clockwork universe | - | 15% |
| G495 | A2 | Field and particle physics | - | 25% |
| G496 | A2 | Researching physics | - | 10% |
At AS there are two written papers with the third unit being based on coursework. Two pieces of coursework have to be completed and these include practical work and a chance to develop presentation skills. Coursework is undertaken during lesson time and the 2 written papers are undertaken in May.
The A2 course includes two written papers with the third unit made up of coursework, a research brief and a practical investigation of your choice. Coursework is undertaken during lesson time and the two written papers are undertaken in May.
COURSEWORK
Our AS students do two pieces of coursework: an instrumentation task related to sensors; and a materials presentation. Our A2 students do a practical investigation of their choice and a research brief on a topic of their choice.
STRUCTURE OF THE EXAM PAPERS
The examination papers have a common format. They contain structured questions as well as some questions which require more extended writing. Quality of written communication is assessed within those parts of the paper which require extended writing. Papers G494 and G496 contain questions covering synoptic assessment.
WHERE IT LEADS
A level Physics can lead to careers in Science and Engineering but the problem solving ability which is developed opens many other avenues, including to the financial sectors.
Recommended Reading List (Stretch and Challenge)
- A Short History of Nearly Everything, by Bill Bryson
- Atom, by Jim Al-Khalili
- Absolute Zero, by Tom Shachtman
- Astrophysics, by Christopher Bishop
- QED, The Strange Theory of Llight and Matter, by Richard Feynman
- Particle Physics, by Christopher Bishop
| Teachers |
| Mrs C. E. West , BEng (Hons), PGCE, Head
of Dept. Mr C. Roberts-Jones, BSc, PGDE Mr T. Wilks, BSc (Hons), PGCE, CPhys, MInstp, ACIEA |