PHYSICS
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE Combined Science at Grade 66 or above.
GCSE Physics at Grade 6 or above.
GCSE Maths at Grade 6 or above.
Home » Welcome to our Sixth Form » Curriculum subjects » A Level Physics
Students at Strood Academy follow the OCR Physics A course. This new A-level Physics A course was developed in consultation with teachers, employers and Higher Education to provide students with a qualification that is relevant to them and meets their needs.
Physics aims to answer (or at the very least try to) the very big questions in life such as:
- What will happen to the universe in the future?
- Where did we come from?
- What are we made of?
- How and why things interact the way they do?
Why study a level PHYSICS?
This physics course offers a glimpse of the beauty and order from which the world around us was made. The course is up to date and is presented in such a way to convey the excitement of the subject.
Physics is a challenging subject that will definitely feel like a step up from GCSE as it requires higher level thinking and analytical skills.
What will I study during the course duration?
This course is split into six teaching modules over the two years (year 12 and 13). Modules 1 to 4 must be completed in year 12 to facilitate the AS level exam (optional).
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
Practical skills assessed in a written examination
Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2 – Foundations of Physics
Physical quantities and units
Making measurements and analysing data
Nature of quantities
Module 3 – Forces and motion
Motion
Forces in action
Work, energy and power
Materials
Momentum
Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
Charge and current
Energy, power and resistance
Electrical circuits
Waves
Quantum physics
Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
Thermal physics
Circular motion
Oscillations
Gravitational fields
Astrophysics and cosmology
Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
Capacitors
Electric fields
Electromagnetism
Nuclear and particle physics
Medical imaging
How will I be assessed?
- Exam paper 1 will assess content from modules 1, 2, 3, and 5
- Exam paper 2 will assess content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
- Exam paper 3 will assess content from all modules, 1 to 6
Both exams AS (year 12) and A2 (year 13) draw from modules 1 to 4. Successful completion of the AS Physics exams in year 12 will allow progression to the full A-level where the results from year 13 exam will supersede those from year 12.
Modelling Physics (01)
100 marks
2 hours 15 mins written exam
37% of Overall grade
Exploring Physics (02)
100 marks
2 hours 15 mins written exam
37% of Overall grade
Unified Physics (03)
70 marks
1 hour 30 mins written exam
26% of Overall grade
Practical Endorsement in Physics (04)
Non-Exam
Continuous throughout course
External Reporting
NB: The AS Physics exams are optional
Career opportunities and Future study
Physics is one of the most highly regarded A-level by employers and universities and, as such the course supports students in a diverse range of destinations post sixth form.
At university level, Physics opens the door towards Science, Maths and Engineering courses, however physics is also desirable across the spectrum of university courses due to the high level of critical thinking it imparts.
Employers also recognise the importance of A-level Physics and actively seek to recruit students who have completed physics. This is due to the way that students are trained and encouraged to think in a logical manner.