A Level Physics

Why study this subject?

Physics is a stimulating and challenging subject which our students find very interesting and rewarding. If you study it, you will start to have a better understanding of the universe around you, including the behaviour of atoms and sub-atomic particles such as quarks. You will also understand the principles of physics involved in many of the technological devices used in our lives.

A Level Physics is an important qualification for many careers. A number of our students go on to do a Physics or Physics-related degree such as Engineering or Electronics which may lead to a career in research and development at university or in industry. A Level Physics is essential for these subjects, as is A Level Mathematics. There are other degrees where Physics is useful but not essential such as Medicine or Chemistry. However, even if you choose a career which does not need Physics A Level, the qualification is very highly regarded by universities and employers because you will develop valuable mathematical and problem solving skills on the A Level course.

At Greenhead we have six experienced and well qualified teachers who have proven examination success. Students give us high marks for the quality of teaching and for the quality of support that we offer to them. We are very keen to help students with difficulties! Students here have the opportunity to do many extension activities such as Engineering Projects, Further Physics classes or visits to universities for masterclasses.

Students are expected to undertake 3-4 hours of independent work each week for this subject.

Topics you will cover

The course at Greenhead will be the AQA specification. The topics to be followed are:

Year One

Materials, Electricity, Waves, Quantum Physics, Particle Physics and Forces and Motion.

Year Two

Oscillations, Gravitational and Electric fields, Capacitors, Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Induction, Heat, Gases, Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity and a topic (either Engineering or Astrophysics, depending on your teacher).

Entry Guidelines

Grades 6/6 in GCSE Science AND Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics OR Grade 6 in Physics AND Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics.

The course is heavily mathematical and there will be mathematics used in most lessons. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend that all our students follow the A Level Mathematics course in order to develop their mathematical skills and to help them with the Mechanics part of our course. If you do not enjoy Mathematics, particularly algebra and trigonometry, then Physics is probably not the subject for you.