Exam Board: AQA
Contact: Mr C. Gregory
Course Overview
A Level physics gives a comprehensive overview to the key concepts that underpin the subject. The AQA course allows students to develop their mathematical fluency and apply it across a range of topics. The majority of the content links together and allows students to apply their skills even in unfamiliar contexts. Furthermore, the course has a strong practical element intended to improve student’s ability to plan and execute experiments whilst maximising accuracy and minimising uncertainty. Physics is a subject that touches many aspects of the real world. The course aims to give application to the theory and enthuse students to explore careers that involve physics and recognise its importance across industry.
Fundamental to the success of students will be the development of key problem solving and mathematical skills that will be applied and developed across all of the content areas. Students will learn how to access problems using diagrams and by applying and manipulating relevant formulae. Additionally, students will develop skills in accurate practical planning, data collection, analysis and evaluation. Core attributes necessary for further academic study and employment.
The course is delivered across 8 core sections. First year sections begin with ‘Mechanics and Electricity’ that develop core problem solving and mathematical competency. Then students look at ‘Waves’ and develop their understanding from GCSE. Finally, students explore the world of particles where the building blocks of the universe are examined. Second year sections build on the core concepts looking at more complex mechanical systems. Students then delve into the world of Fields and the importance of this area in many real life contexts. Lastly, students will study a module in ‘Astrophysics’ where we delve deeper into the universe and investigate its origins, what we can learn from it and what its future may hold. Integral to the entire course are 12 assessed practicals that develop student’s competencies in key areas of practical science. Students have the opportunity to visit the Large Hadron Collider at the CERN facility in Geneva Switzerland. A trip that aims to develop the student’s understanding as well as highlighting the future opportunities that Physics can bring.
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Course Title:
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A Level Physics
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View Specification
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Exam Board:
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AQA
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Course Code:
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7408
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QAN:
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601/4747/7 |
General Entry Requirements* + GCSE Combined Science Trilogy – 2 x Grade 6 or GCSE Separate Sciences: Grade 6 in Physics, and grade 6 in either Chemistry or Biology plus GCSE English 5 (6 desirable) plus GCSE Maths 6
*General Entry Requirements = 5 GCSES 4-9 or A*-C to include Maths and English Lang or Lit Grade 5
Where can Physics take me?
You could continue to a degree in this subject but A Level Physics may also lead you to studying Engineering, Astronomy, Medicine, Veterinary Science or Architecture. Physics is regarded as incredibly desirable, if not essential, for a range of careers including Astronomy, Medicine, Research Science or even Accountancy.
Assessment
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A Level |
Assessment |
% of course |
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Paper 1 – Year 1 content |
2 hour written paper |
34% (85 marks) |
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Paper 2 – Year 2 content |
2 hour written paper |
34% (85 marks) |
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Paper 3 – Practical skills and Astrophysics |
2 hour written paper |
32% (80 marks) |
Practical endorsement in Physics – non exam assessment.
12 required practicals carried out across the 2 years. |
Contact: Mr M. Ford
If you have any questions or queries relating to the Science curriculum please email headofscience@ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk for more information.