About.

Interested in solving problems? Do you want to know why things happen? Do you want to understand why things do the things they do? Then Physics is for you!

Are you considering becoming a medic, engineer, pilot, astrophysicist, working with computers or becoming a manager, ecologist, banker, geologist, archaeologist or sports scientist? If yes, then Physics is for you!

Physics is a fundamental science which links well with the other sciences and provides those who study it with analytical and problem solving techniques that can be applied to all walks of life. The technological world in which we live is dependent on people with a Physics background to find technological applications for new materials and develop new uses for materials and technology which are already known. There is a worldwide shortage of physicists and universities and industry are keen to recruit.

CLICK HERE for the A-Level Physics Curriculum Provision Overview

Complementary Subjects.

Physics is a highly-respected subject. Having a good A Level in Physics demonstrates that you have a high level of mathematical and problem solving ability. Nearly all physics undergraduates will have done A Level Mathematics and this is the most classic subject pairing.

Physics is not required but can be a good 3rd subject choice for medical careers. Additionally many of the ideas covered in engineering courses are based on the principles taught in physics; therefore Physics pairs well with Level 3 Engineering and would be a good subject to have if you were looking to study engineering at degree level.

Biology Chemistry Maths Further Maths Product Design Engineering

Career Pathways.

It is an essential requirement for those wishing to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, astrophysics, materials science, computing, electronics, aeronautics, and nuclear physics. It is frequently required to support other Science courses in the fields of Chemistry, Medicine, Geology, Meteorology, Design and Technology and Mathematics. The course lays the foundations for critical thinking and analytical problem solving. Physicists are frequently employed in a wide range of careers including law, accountancy, financing, computing, commerce and economics.

Careers Page

Further Information.

If you require further information on any aspect of the course you should contact the following:

Ekaete Iboro-Offong
Miss Ekaete Iboro-Offong,
Subject Lead Physics

Assessment.

OCR PHYSICS A

Teaching Units, Assessment Method and Weighting.

Course Structure
Modules
2 Year course – three exams at end of second year

5 × 60 Minute lesson per week + independent study tasks

Practical skills are assessed in the exams and in log books which gives students a Practical Endorsement – this is a separate qualification in laboratory skills used in lessons
Unit 1 - Practical Skills in Physics

Unit 2 - Foundations in Physics

Unit 3 - Forces and Motion

Unit 4 - Electrons Waves and Photons

Unit 5 - Newtonian Physics and Astrophysics

Unit 6 - Particles and Medical Physics
Assessment Method - The Physics A-Level is assessed as three exams:
Exam 1
Modelling physics 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper

37% of total A level on Modules 1,2,3 & 5.
Exam 2
Exploring physics 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper

37% of total A level on Modules 1,2,4 & 6.
Exam 3
Unified physics 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper

26% of Total A level on all modules.