Physics
Lead: Mrs Acik
Email: bacik3.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview
The course covers exciting recent developments in the field of physics. The Year 1 content deals with traditional topics such as Mechanics, Electricity, Waves and Quantum Physics. Practical skills are developed where students develop skills in recording, analysing and evaluating data.
During the second year, some of these topics are revisited in more depth. Topics such as Thermal Physics, Simple Harmonic Motion, Particle Physics, Medical Physics and Astrophysics are included. Practical skills similar to the first year are developed but they require a more mathematical treatment.
“Physics was by far my favourite subject. The teachers are outstanding, and their love of the subject is reflected in the lessons and makes the class an incredibly enjoyable experience. The work, whilst not easy, is simple to master when partnered with hard work and dedication, not to mention the easy to follow and student friendly textbook. The practicals are all very interesting as it is great to put all of the theoretical knowledge to use.” - Student
Exam Board: OCR
Course Specification: H556
Qualification obtained: : OCR A Level in Physics A
Entry requirements:
Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.
Grade 6 in Physics and a 6 in Biology or Chemistry or 6-6 in Combined Science & 6 in Mathematics
What you will study
A-Level Physics covers exciting recent developments in the field of physics and is split into six modules. Modules 2, 3 and 4 are covered in Year 12 while Modules 5 and 6 are studied in Year 13. Module 1 is covered during both years through a range of endorsed practical activities which are internally assessed throughout both years.
Year 12
Topics covered:
- Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
- Module 2 – Foundations of physics
- Module 3 – Forces and Motion
- Module 4 – Electrons, waves, and photons
Year 13
Topics covered:
- Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
- Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
- Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
Assessment
Assessment percentage:
There are three separate exams (Component 1, 2, 3 & 4) that are sat at the end of Year 13. The practical endorsement is assessed during lessons throughout the A-Level course.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Assessment | Weight |
| 01 | Modelling physics | Written examination: 100-mark, 2hr 15min | 37% |
| 02 | Exploring physics | Written examination: 100-mark, 2hr 15min | 37% |
| 03 | Unified physics | Written examination: 70-mark, 1hr 30min | 26% |
| 04 | Practical Endorsement | Non-Exam assessment: Practical Endorsement | Reported Separately |
Progression routes
A physics education equips a person to work in many different and interesting places—in industrial and government laboratories, in universities, as astronauts, pilots, engineers and even as physics teachers! In addition, many physicists leave the lab behind and work at newspapers and magazines, in government, and in finance and banking; places where their problem-solving abilities and analytical skills are great assets. A-Level Physics can lead to university courses in Engineering, Physiotherapy, Meteorology amongst others.
Additional Information
Course specific equipment:
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Scientific calculator
Essential Reading Material:
A Level Physics A for OCR ISBN-139780198352181.
This book covers the content for both years.
Recommended resources:
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/alevel/physics.html
http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age16-19/
Enrichment:
Students are strongly recommended to attend UCL Science Lectures for Sixth Formers held at the UCL Science Centre. These lectures address a variety of Physics areas such as Space Robots, Cosmic Rays and Nanotechnology. Admission is free and no booking or tickets are required.