A Level Physics

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.