Physics

Before reading about Physics, please refer to the introductory section, Science

Physics is the study of the principles that underpin all physical processes in the Universe.  Physicists combine a wide variety of skills; they are literate, numerate, can solve complex problems and are highly sought after by prospective employers. The course we offer is OCR Specification A. This is an exciting course, offering great scope for innovative ideas in Physics and provides continuity from GCSE Physics and Double Award Science. 

Entry requirements

To gain an A or B in the full A Level students will need GCSE A grades in both Physics and Mathematics.  Those candidates who have studied Core and Additional Science rather than the three separate sciences will have some preparatory work to study, but should also be very successful if they obtain AA grades or better. We welcome B grade GCSE students onto the course and some have obtained Cs at advanced level, but most of these students achieve D or E grades.

The AS course lasts for one year and will suit those students who want a broad introduction to what Physics is all about.  Experience has shown that to be successful you will require at least BB grades in Core and Additional Science and a B grade at Mathematics GCSE. 

Course Structure

The course, newly revised in 2008, offers all the traditional elements of mainstream Physics and is supported by newly published textbooks and CD-Roms designed and written specifically for this specification. The course offers you:

• Up to date Physics: modern ideas and applications, important trends.
  
• Help with mathematics: how to do the mathematics and what it means.
  
• Variety: something for everyone; fundamentals, applications, connections.
  
• Involvement: you can choose the things you wish to study in depth.
  
• People and ideas: stories about where ideas came from and where they are going.
  
• Real practical work: learning skills, investigating for yourself.
  
• Using computers: tools, models, information.
  
• Physics at work: medical and other applications, careers that Physics can lead to.

Examination Structure

Units 1, 2 and 3 are taken in the Lower Sixth and units 4, 5 and 6 are taken in the second year of the course.

Unit	Level	Title	Exam	% AS Level	% A2 Level
1 2 3	AS AS AS	Mechanics Electrons, Waves and Photons Practical Skills in Physics 1	60 min 105 min 3 sessions	30% 50% 20%
4 5 6	A2 A2 A2	Newtonian World Field, Particles and Frontiers of Physics Practical Skills in Physics 2	60 min 120 min 3 sessions		30% 50% 20%

Higher Education and Career Opportunities

The ‘Science’ introduction at the beginning of this section gives some idea of university degree courses that require Physics. It is worth noting however that the ability to solve problems logically is held in such high esteem that a Physics A or AS Level is useful for almost any career from investment banking through to nursing; physicists can do almost anything!

Introductory Reading

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