PHYSICS
A Level Physics is about the fundamental principles that govern the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the vastness of space. You refine your understanding of ideas you’ve already met, such as energy and electricity, and you start to explore deep and important concepts in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. You develop critical problem-solving skills and analytical thinking, and through mathematical reasoning, theoretical discussions and hands-on experiment, you engage with the concepts that shape our world. If you want to know
- How does light behave as both a wave and particle?
- How fast does a rocket have to travel to escape the gravitational field of the Earth?
- Why does an ant survive a fall from a skyscraper?
- Why don’t atomic electrons fall into the nucleus?
- What caused the Tacoma Narrows bridge to collapse?
- Why do Formula 1 racetracks have banked corners?
- How do stars form, evolve, and die?
- What’s an event horizon, and what would happen if I stood on one?
- How did everything start, and how might it end?
then A Level Physics will be rewarding choice for you.
There are many super-curricular opportunities in Physics, including
- Physics challenges run by the British Physics Olympiad
- Additional reading beyond the specification which you can share in lessons
- Preparation for university entrance assessments (e.g. PAT and ESAT)
- Regular events run by the Physics LMaStudent Leaders, including talks, competitions, quizzes and a weekly Physics crossword
- Represent LMaS in Physics competitions, for example the ‘What Lights up your Love of Physics?’ competition run by Physics Partners.
Physics opens doors (metaphorically as well as literally!)
Whatever you’re interested in, from particle physics or cosmology to renewable energy or healthcare, a Physics qualification will help you enter many roles in a very diverse range of careers. Many Physics students go on to study and then work in scientific and engineering field such as astrophysics, aerospace, mechanical engineering and medical physics, but there also physicists working for charities and NGOs, for high street retailers, for banks and financial trading companies, because they have the logical, problem-solving skills that these organisations are always looking for.
Exam board
Key Topics
| Measurements and Errors Particle Physics EM Radiation and Quantum Phenomena Electricity Waves Mechanics and Materials Further mechanics | Thermal Physics Gravitational and Electric Fields Capacitors Magnetic Fields Nuclear Physics Optional topic: Astrophysics |
There are also twelve compulsory practicals that you complete across Year 12 and 13, leading to the A level Physics Practical Endorsement certificate.
Assessment
- Paper 1: Year 12 topics, 85 marks, 2-hour exam
- Paper 2: Year 13 topics, 85 marks, 2-hour exam
- Paper 3: Practical Skills and Optional Topic (Astrophysics), 80 marks, 2-hour exam