Physics A level

At A-level we follow the CCEA specification.

This specification gives students a strong set of skills within a highly valued subject which complements other subjects such as chemistry, biology, history, geography, ICT and environmental technology.

• It gives students a sound basis for progression to higher education in a STEM subject.
• This is an exciting time in the development of human technology with much innovation and progress in our understanding of our world and this specification will give students a sound basis for further exploration of this subject.

Students may take:

• The AS course as a final qualification; or
• The AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification.

AS (Year 13)

AS 1: Forces, Energy and Electricity

AS 2: Waves, Photons and Astronomy

AS 3: Practical Techniques and Data Analysis

AS 1 and AS 2 are examined by two written papers each lasting 105 minutes.

AS 3 is examined by a 1 hour written paper and a 1 hour practical examination.

A2 (Year 14)

A2 1: Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics

A2 2: Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics 2 hour written paper

A2 3: Practical Techniques and Data Analysis

A2 1 and A2 2 are examined by two written papers each lasting 2 hours.

A2 3 is examined by a 1 hour written paper and a 1 hour practical examination.

In recent years many pupils have gone on to successfully study physics at university. In addition, physics provides a sound basis for further study across a range of areas.  Many pupils who study A-level physics do so in order to apply their physics knowledge in another subject area at university, e.g. electronics, meteorology or the many branches of engineering. For these careers, A-level physics is essential.

 

Those intending to follow a career in medicine or biochemistry often study physics because they feel that it will be useful even if not essential for their career.

 

Those interested in areas such as law or finance often choose physics because they know that it is highly regarded by university departments as a measure of problem-solving ability and logical thought.

 

Further information:

 

Examination Board details and specification:

 

https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-physics-2016

 

Past Papers and Mark Schemes:

 

https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-physics-2016/past-papers-mark-schemes

 

Revision websites:

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics revision notes and practice exam question tutorials