: A Level Physics
Exam Board: AQA
Download Leaflet (PDF)Further information available from: Mr Trickett
Course requirements: Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Combined Science or a minimum grade 6 in each of the GCSE Single Sciences, plus GCSE Maths grade 6 or higher.
Following the AQA Physics syllabus, topics 1-5 will be taught in Year 12 and topics 6-8 will be covered in Year 13 plus an optional topic as outlined below:
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Fields and their consequences
- Nuclear physics
Option: Engineering physics
The course is assessed by three written papers covering both course content and practical techniques. There are 12 assessed required practicals and pupils are given a pass/fail status.
Assessments
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
| What’s assessed Sections 1 – 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion) | What’s assessed Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8 Assumed knowledge from 1 to 6.1 | What’s assessed Section A: Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis Section B: Engineering Physics |
| Assessed • written exam: 2 hours • 85 marks • 34% of A-level | Assessed • written exam: 2 hours • 85 marks • 34% of A-level | Assessed • written exam: 2 hours • 80 marks • 32% of A-level |
| Questions 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. | Questions 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. | Questions 45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis. 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic. |
Physics is a challenging, but rewarding course that opens up a multitude of different career pathways. Anyone thinking of doing Physics should also think about studying A Level Maths alongside as the two reinforce each other so well. The study of A Level Chemistry also complements a lot of the work we do.