Physics A Level
From ancient observations of the cosmos through to the latest technology to hit the streets, physics plays an essential role in every person’s life.
A Level physics teaches the fundamental principles of physics that explain the universe around us, highlighting real-world applications. The specification has a bedrock of how science works to show how physics affects modern life and teaches skills relevant to future careers.
Curriculum Intent
Physicists will have the knowledge, skills and desire to understand and question the world around them.
What you will study
Year one
- Measurements and their errors, including the use of SI units and their prefixes, limitations of physical measurement and estimation of physical quantities.
- Particles and radiation, including constituents of the atom, particle interactions and collisions of electrons with atoms.
- Waves, including progressive waves, interference and diffraction.
- Mechanics and energy, including projectile motion and Newton’s laws of motion.
- Electricity, including current/voltage characteristics, circuits, electromotive force and internal resistance.
Year two
- Further mechanics and thermal physics, including periodic motion, thermal energy transfer and molecular kinetic theory.
- Fields, including Newton’s law of gravitation, orbits of planets and satellites and magnetic flux density.
- Nuclear physics, including evidence for the nucleus, radioactive decay and nuclear instability.
Option - Astrophysics, including classification of stars by luminosity, Doppler effect and the detection of exoplanets.
How the course is assessed
- Paper 1: 34% of A Level covering topics 1-5 and periodic motion.
- Paper 2: 34% of A Level covering topics 6-8.
- Paper 3: 32% of A Level covering data analysis, practical skills and the option topic.
Entry requirements
- Five subjects at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
- Grade 6 in GCSE Physics or Grade 6 in Combined Science and Grade 6 in Maths
Why study A Level Physics at Windsor Sixth Form?
Windsor Sixth Form Physics Department has a wealth of knowledge and experience and its staff are dedicated to supporting students to reach their full potential.
Other courses that go well with A Level Physics
Studying maths alongside physics is highly beneficial due to the mathematical nature of many of the physics topics.
What you can do after the course
You can progress to studying physics, physics, other sciences and engineering at university and higher education providers.
The skills learnt from A Level Physics are highly sought after in many careers. Analytical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to back opinions with evidence are important parts of many careers.