Sixth Form: Physics

Subject Overview

A Level Physics builds upon the knowledge and understanding developed at GCSE level. The A Level Physics course is designed to foster a systematic approach to problem solving as well as answering some of the most important fundamental questions about the universe around us. Physics is a very broad subject involving experiment and observation as well as theory and mathematics – students are encouraged to question their learning and discuss with their peers.

Studying Physics helps develop key transferable skills: the ability to reason clearly, communicate complex ideas and practical approaches to problem solving. Students taking Physics A Level have a solid foundation for further study in a number of areas including; Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine and allied professions, Mathematics, Geology and Finance to name a few.

Syllabuses (Course Outline and Structure)

At Heart of England Sixth Form we follow the OCR Physics A Specification, this is made up of six units – two of which are coursework based and assessed internally. The AS course comprises of units G481, G482 and G483. The A2 course then follows on with units G484, G485 and G486.

AS Physics

G481 Mechanics (30% of AS course, 15% of entire A Level)

  • Motion
  • Forces in Action
  • Work and Energy

G482 Electrons, Waves and Photons (50% of AS course, 25% of entire A Level)

  • Electric Current
  • Resistance
  • DC Circuits
  • Waves
  • Quantum Physics

G483 Practical Skills in Physics 1 (20% of AS course, 10% of entire A Level)

  • This AS unit is teacher assessed and externally moderated by OCR
  • Learners are assessed on one task from each of the following categories: qualitative, quantitative and evaluation tasks

A2 Physics

G484 The Newtonian World (15% of entire A-level)

  • Newton’s Laws and Momentum
  • Circular Motion and Oscillations
  • Thermal Physics

G485 Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics (25% of entire A-level)

  • Electric and Magnetic Fields
  • Capacitors and Exponential Decay
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Medical Imaging
  • Modelling the Universe

G486 Practical Skills in Physics 2 (10% of entire A-level)

  • This A2 unit is teacher assessed and externally moderated by OCR
  • Learners are assessed on one task from each of the following categories: qualitative, quantitative and evaluation tasks

The full course specification can be found at:

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for AS Physics are; Grade B in Triple Science Physics or grades BB in in Double Award Science. We also expect a grade B in Mathematics. These are the minimum requirements, higher grades at GCSE will make the course more accessible. There are no prohibited options with A Level Physics.

Activities

Practical activities are carried out on a regular basis and key skills are taught throughtout the course. Prior to commencement of coursework however, we follow a structured lesson program where skills are reviewed and refined to ensure all pupils have the necessary knowledge to complete the coursework to the best of their ability.

Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

It is suggested that students take A LKevel Mathematics with Mechanics alongside the Physics course. The two subjects complement each other very well, a sound mathematical knowledge makes dealing with equations much easier.

Past Papers

Questions from past papers are used extensively during the delivery of the course and are adapted to augment homework tasks. In addition to this, pupils will complete whole past papers towards the end of the teaching for each unit, in order to prepare pupils for the overall structure of each paper, and the time restrictions associated with them.  We fully encourage all pupils to work independently, and the following URL can be followed to locate all of the past papers for the course except the most recent paper, and their mark schemes.

 For further information contact Mr I AhmedEmail icon, Associate Curriculum Leader: KS3 and KS4 Science