A-Level Physics
Physics A-Level at St Bede’s
Physics is a popular choice at St Bede’s. A Level Physics is an engaging yet challenging course that builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills of GCSE. Success at A Level requires a good foundation – a grade 7 in Separate Science Physics or Combined Science and a grade 7 in Mathematics is recommended.
A Level Physics will give you incredibly strong analytical and research skills. You’ll be able to come at problems and solve them in a methodical and logical way. You’ll also learn to investigate theories, devise tests and explore new ideas. Such strong problem-solving skills are highly sought after. In fact, qualifications in physics and maths are two of the most desirable qualifications for employers. Due to the heavily mathematical element in Physics, it’s often recommended to be studied alongside Mathematics at A Level.
Why Study Physics?
Physics is a seriously useful subject for the majority of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers, and you’ll find physicists everywhere: in industry, transport, government, universities, the armed forces, the secret service, and even games companies and cutting-edge research labs.
Physics is especially helpful for jobs that involve building things and developing new technologies, including: engineering (flight, buildings, space, you name it…), astronomy, robotics, renewable energies, computer science, communications, space exploration, science writing, sports and games technology, research and nanotechnology (that’s engineering on a seriously tiny molecular scale).
“I chose Physics because I love a challenge, and it definitely delivers! But the ‘Drop-In’ sessions and teacher support mean you’re never stuck for long.”
“A Level Physics equips you with powerful problem-solving abilities, preparing you for any challenge, academic or professional.”
Our Physics alumni have gone on to study Engineering at Imperial College, Astrophysics at Durham, and Computer Science at Manchester, among many other exciting paths.
The Course
During your AQA A Level Physics course, you’ll be introduced to new concepts such as quarks (the fundamental building blocks of matter), quantum physics (the strange world of the very small), and relativity (the physics of space and time), opening up fascinating new perspectives. Other topics you will study include mechanics and the properties of materials, oscillations, waves and the nature of light, fields, particle physics and current electricity, thermal physics, nuclear instability. You will also take part in practical work throughout the duration of your course.
Assessment Information
AQA Physics A Level
There is no coursework in this course. However, your performance during 12 required practicals will be assessed, with practical skills and data analysis being directly tested within the examinations, contributing at least 15% of the overall marks.
Paper 1: Particles and radiation, Waves, Mechanics and materials, Electricity and Periodic motion (34% of A level: 2 hour exam)
Paper 2: Thermal physics, Fields and their consequences, Nuclear physics (34% of A level: 2 hour exam)
Paper 3: Practical skills and data analysis and Turning points in physics (32% of A Level: 2 hr exam)
Why Choose Physics at St Bede’s?
3 specialist teachers with years of combined experience.
3 Physics laboratories with specialist equipment and a designated physics technician.
Small classes – especially important when completing individual practical work.
Excellent online provision using Google Workspace for Education.
Isaac Physics Embedded School status at Gold level with Isaac Expert Teachers, meaning students benefit from targeted, online problem-solving practice and expert support.
Lots of personal support including weekly ‘Drop-Ins’, personalised UCAS advice for all and extra support for Oxbridge candidates.
Participation in challenges like the British Physics Olympiad and Isaac Physics Senior Physics Challenge