Courses / Physics
Physics
Physics will suit students who are highly motivated, keen to apply scientific knowledge to new problems and to learn how the world around them works. It is a subject that demands good mathematical skills as well the ability to analyse observations and make predictions. Students are strongly advised to combine it with another science or with mathematics. An alternative is to add the one year AS equivalent course, Mathematical Studies, to your program in year.
If you choose this course you would benefit from:
- Very experienced teachers who specialise in Physics and who are involved in preparing and marking A level Physics examination papers.
- Guest lecturers, the opportunity to visit local universities, including Coventry, Warwick and Birmingham.
- The chance to visit Grenoble as part of a Physics competition.
- Excellent individual support, outside class times and comprehensive on-line support.
In the first year you will study:
- Kinematics
- Conduction of electricity
- Wave properties
- Dynamics
- Resistance
- Refraction of light
- Energy concepts
- D.C. circuits
- Photons
- Solids under stress
- Using radiation to investigate stars
- Lasers
In the second year you will study:
- Vibrations
- Electrostatic and gravitational fields
- Nuclear energy and decay
- Kinetic theory
- Circular motion
- Magnetic fields
- Thermal physics
- Orbits and the wider universe
- Electromagnetic induction
- Capacitance
- Particles and nuclear structure
- Medical Physics
In this linear A level there are 3 written examinations at the end of the second year, with each counting about one third of the final grade.
In addition, students will do regular laboratory works over the two years. Students write up their experiments in lab books and a minimum of 12 experiments count towards the awarding of a Practical Endorsement, which is in addition to their A level grade.
What will I be taught?
All Physics lessons take place in a dedicated and well-resourced laboratory. Teachers use a variety of approaches in the delivery of the subject, including class discussions and questioning, group activities, individual and paired experiments, student led sessions and teacher explanation.
Students are expected to spend at least as much time on their work outside the classroom as inside, with significant preparation required before lessons (flipped learning). Homework tasks are set regularly and students will undertake frequent class tests based on examination questions to develop their understanding.
Students are recommended to purchase the textbooks from Eduqas (one per year) which links directly to the specification. Resources are organised on the college Moodle site as well as Class One Note.
Based on research into how students learn best, each subject will set independent work to allow you to recap what you have done in the past, consolidate understanding for what you are studying in the present and develop the skills and experiences which will help you for the future. You can read more about the college’s approach to independent study here
The Past
Click here for the suggested ongoing revision activities in this subject which research has shown are most likely to boost your achievement
The Present
Each subject will set weekly homework tasks to help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for your next lesson. This work is typically set through Microsoft Teams, so you will have an electronic log of all your work, notes and feedback.
The Future
A key part of your independent work in this subject will be to prepare for a range of potential jobs and higher education courses when you leave us. To get started, look below at the top higher education courses and jobs which previous students of this course have gone on to do.
As part of a wider programme this course provides an excellent basis for progression to many careers or university courses.
Former students of this college have gone on to study Physics, Astrophysics, the other Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine at the full range of Universities. About 80% of our Physics students go on to Higher Education in STEM related subjects. Students then progress to a wide range of careers, including Doctors, Engineers and Medical Physicists. Some progress to other areas, such as finance and banking. Some A level Physics students choose to progress via Apprenticeships, including Jaguar Landrover.
5 x GCSE grades 4-9 (incl. English Language)
Additional Requirements
6 in Maths
6,6 in Physics and Chemistry/Biology (or 66 double award Science)
5 in one other essay based subject from this list: English Lit, History, Religious Studies, Geography
Not essential but it will help your success…
Commitment and enthusiasm for solving mathematical problems in particular involving trigonometry. You take Maths or Mathematical Studies.
Pairs well with Electronics, Engineering, Computer Science and Chemistry
Teaching contact time is 4 hours and 20 minutes per subject. Other workshops will be available throughout the year including over some holiday periods. Students are expected to complete at least 4 hours and 20 minutes of independent study to complete homework, review topics and independent research.
100% examination, with the need to pass the Practical Endorsement as well.
3 examinations:
- Component 1: Newtonian Physics 31.25%
- Component 2: Electricity and the Universe 31.25%
- Component 3: Light, Nuclei and Options (Medical Physics) 37.50%