Qualification: A Level Physics (OCR)
Course Tutor: Mr J Thomson
Course entry requirements: General A level entry requirements including two grade 7s at GCSE in Triple Science (one in Physics) or Combined Science (Trilogy) AND a grade 7 in Maths.
Course description
Have you ever wondered …
- Why does the universe behave the way it does?
- How ultrasound can create a picture?
- How fast you would have to travel to fool a speed camera?
- What force would be necessary to stop a formula one car?
- What are CERN looking for?
The course we offer at Vandyke aims to reflect Physics as it is practised and used today. Physics is at the heart of everything and is a highly rewarding subject to study at A Level. Whilst Physics is a very broad subject, this course succeeds in giving students a solid foundation for further studies.
A Level Physics now includes a 40% Mathematical skills component and although taking A Level Maths is not a prerequisite, maths students tend to perform better. It is also worth mentioning that if you wish to take Physics beyond A Level, A Level Mathematics is a requirement for most universities.
Lessons involve a variety of activities including practical work, ICT and theory. You are expected to have access to a computer and be able to use Excel for analysing data.
Practical skills
Physics lessons will often include practical work, however, in addition to this, there are a number of compulsory practical experiments which need to be carried out throughout the two-year course and assessed in lessons, as part of the Practical Endorsement assessment.
Examination
A Level physics is covered by three examinations at the end of the course:
2 x 2 hours 15 minutes and 1 x 1 hour 30 minutes.
A wide range of question types are included:
- Multiple choice
- Short answer
- Extended response
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
“Studying physics at school is an excellent preparation for a range of challenging and rewarding degree courses.” - Wendy Piatt, Director General, Russell Group
There is a huge national shortage of skilled physicists and therefore Physics offers many opportunities post-18. Many employers actively seek out people who can prove their ability to think logically, understand complex ideas and apply them to the real world. Typical sectors where physicists are found include: Research and Development; Engineering; Design and Production; Telecommunications; Medical Physics; Astronomy and Astrophysics; Meteorology, Education and Finance.
If you would like more detailed information about the content of this course, please visit the Science curriculum page, where you will find curriculum maps for each year of study.
