Physics A Level

Board: OCR

You need 6/6 in Combined Science GCSE, or a 6 in Physics and one other Science. You will need a grade 5 in Maths GCSE.

The course covers different key concepts of physics and as students’ progress through the course, they will build on their knowledge of the laws of physics, applying their understanding to areas from sub-atomic particles to the entire universe. Practical skills are integrated with the theoretical topics and assessed through both written papers and the Practical Endorsement.

The content is split into six teaching modules. Modules 1 to 6, combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitute the full A Level.

Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Physics.
Module 2: Foundations of physics.
Module 3: Forces and motions.
Module 4: Electrons, waves, and photons.
Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics.
Module 6: Particles and medical physics.

You will sit three exams at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Paper 2 assesses content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.

Paper 3 assesses content from Modules 1 to 6.

You will also need to complete all the practical assessments.

Physics complements:

• Chemistry and Biology for scientific and medical careers.
• Mathematics and IT for computing and engineering careers. 
• The arts and humanities as contrasting subjects.

The physics course offers excellent opportunities for the development of ICT and application of number skills, alongside communication, teamwork and problem solving skills.

For more information about the course, please see Miss Bates or Mr Finan