A Level Physics
COURSE oVERVIEW
Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles and is crucial to understanding the world around us, inside us and beyond us.
EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Grade 6 in GCSE Maths preferred; a grade 5 may be considered. Grade 6 and 5 from GCSE Combined Science (higher tier), or grade 6 in GCSE Physics (if studied at school). It is highly recommended that you take A Level Maths alongside A Level Physics.
Why study Subject at Blackpool Sixth?
You will benefit from being part of a hub college for the Fylde Coast Ogden Trust Partnership in conjunction with Lancaster University. This includes a guest lecture serie; ‘Physicist of the Year’ awards; Gold Crest Awards and visits to relevant locations both in the UK and abroad.
How will I be taught?
A wide range of teaching methods are used in A Level Physics, from classroom teaching and group tasks to practical work and interactive demonstrations.
Teacher expertise
The Physics team is made up of two highly qualified and enthusiastic tutors. The team has experience in examining and writing exam materials for the AQA A Level Physics papers for exam boards. We work closely with the Institute of Physics Development Coach for Blackpool, who delivers training for GCSE Physics teachers in local schools and runs the Ogden Trust Fylde Coast partnership.
What skills will I develop?
- Analytical skills
- Problem solving
- Practical skills
- Mathematics ability
- Scientific enquiry
How will I be assessed?
100
%- 100% Examination. You will sit three exams at the end of your second year. The first two exams cover the core physics content, with the third paper assessing your practical skills and the ‘Turning Points’ topic. "
What will you study and other information about A-Level physics
- What will I study?
A Level Physics takes concepts that you are familiar with, from your Physics studies at GCSE, and explores them in much greater detail. These include mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism. In addition to this, you will be introduced to a number of new topics, from the very small (by exploring the subatomic world) to the very fast (using Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity).
- Equipment and Financial contributions
The science department runs several trips and educational visits throughout the year to enhance the experience of studying science. There may be other non-essential educational visits that students can access during the two-year course, such as visits to zoos and museums.
Students must have a scientific calculator, a 30cm clear ruler, a protractor and a 45 degree set square. We strongly recommend the Casio fx-85G, approximately £8 – £10 (if studying maths or further maths, the upgraded calculator you buy for these courses will be suitable).
We subscribe to Kerboodle, so no need to buy a textbook in advance as this will be available to you as an online version once you start. However if you prefer a hard copy the textbook used is: AQA Physics, A Level, Jim Breithaupt, approximately £45. ISBN 978-0198351870
- Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
We run a range of field trips for Physics students, some that directly link in to our course content, with others that are designed to push your skills beyond our course and widen your horizons. These include: Nano physics masterclasses at the University of Manchester; nuclear physics workshops at Heysham Power Station; mechanics and systems lectures at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Education Academy and a range of lectures and workshops at Lancaster University.
Where does it lead?
Students studying A Level Physics will often progress to study a range of subjects at prestigious universities, often studying for physics and engineering degrees. A Level Physics is also often used by students wishing to progress to maths, finance and computing-based degree courses. Students also obtain advanced apprenticeships with major employers such as BAE Systems.