Sixth Form - Physics

Physics (AS and A2)
Course aims

provide seamless progression from the KS4 programme of study and enable students to sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, physics and its applications.
Develop an understanding of eth link between theory and experiment and foster the development of skills in the design and execution of experiments.
Develop essential knowledge and understanding in physics and, where appropriate, the applications of physics with appreciation of their significance and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations.
Demonstrate the importance of physics as a human endeavour that interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters.
To be a suitable preparation for higher educational courses in physics and related courses.

Course Content
The A level course is divided into 6 compulsory units.

Unit	How this is assessed	Examined	% of total AS examination	% of total A2 examination
Unit 1 – Physics on the go.	Written paper (1hour 30mins)	January of Yr12	40%	20%
Unit 2 – Physics at work	Written paper (1 hour 30mins)	June of Yr12	40%	20%
Unit 3 – Exploring Physics	Written report produced by the student on an experiment or a case study of an application of physics.	June of Yr 12	20%	10%
Unit 4 – Physics on the move	Written paper ( 1hour 35mins)	January of Yr 13		20%
Unit 5 – Physics from Creation to Collapse	Written Paper ( 1 hour 35mins)	June of Yr13		20%
Unit 6 – Experimental Physics	Investigative Skills Assessment (Practical task and written test based on collected data).	Through- out Yr13		10%

The AS part of the course is taken in Year 12 and the A2 part in Year 13.
Commitment
The A Level course lasts two years. Teaching is five periods per week. Students should be aware that A Level Physics is a far from easy option: it is heavily loaded with content and requires much independent work, so a firm commitment to the subject is essential.

Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at grades A*-C, including GCSE English. Also GCSE grade B in Separate or Double Award Science and Mathematics. Science and Mathematics grades should have been obtained through the Higher papers.