Physics

Physics at Post 16 level is a context-led course relating your learning to your world and the situations in which Physics is met in real life. This course presents Physics in a more interesting way as it focuses on practical activity and the application of physics. Through the context led approach of this course you will gain experience of problem solving, numeracy skills, design and execution of experiments. The key skills of communication, application of numbers and ICT are integrated into the course.

In the first year you will study mechanics (rectilinear motion, forces, energy and power) and materials (flow of fluids, viscosity, Stokes’ Law, properties of materials, Young modulus and elastic strain energy). Real world applications will be studied which include Physics in sport and Physics in surgery for joint replacements and lens implants. Later in the year students study waves, electricity and the wave/particle nature of light. You will learn about applications of physics in music, medicine and space technology.

The second year involves the study of further mechanics (momentum and circular motion), electric and magnetic fields and particle physics. Several different contexts are explored including a modern rail transport system, communications and display techniques. Later in this final year, students study thermal energy, nuclear decay, oscillations, astrophysics and cosmology. You will discover more about space technology, medical physics and the construction of buildings in earthquake zones as well as the physical interpretation of astronomical observations, the formation and evolution of stars, and the history and future of the universe.

Physics can lead almost anywhere as the skills you will acquire are widely sought after. Common pathways are into the scientific, medical and engineering industries.

Assessment

There are three written examinations:

• Advanced Physics 1—1hr 45mins written examination. This is worth 30% of the A Level
• Advanced Physics 2—1hr 45mins written examination. This is worth 30% of the A Level
• General Practical Principles in Physics—2hr 30mins written examination. This is worth 40% of the A Level.
• Practical Endorsement:
  Teacher assessment of students’ skills, techniques and competency when completing practical work will count towards the Practical Endorsement at A Level. This is separate to the A Level grade and, if awarded, will be reported as a ‘Pass’ on A Level certificates. This assessment will be moderated by the awarding body.