Physics AS and A Level

Examination Board: OCR A “All Science is either Physics or stamp-collecting” - Ernest Rutherford Physics is about analysing the world around us, using mathematics to describe the way things happen. From this, predictions can be made and tested. As you study Physics you will find yourself unconsciously applying the principles you learn to things you notice around you. Physics gives a language and framework to describe the natural world and can be used to easily make accurate and powerful estimations of complex questions. Assessment: In Year 12 you will study modules in:

Foundations of Physics

Forces and Motion and Electrons, Waves and Photons.

In Year 13 you will study modules in:

Newtonian World and Astrophysics

Particle and Medical Physics. Studying A Level Physics successfully, requires students to work systematically from the outset. You will encounter a variety of lesson styles: class discussion, independent learning, research, note-taking and practical work all have a role to play. Homework tasks will be set, often based on questions from the core textbook. Physics is a practical subject and many concepts will be taught through the use of experiments. The course contains many Assessed Practical activities which lead to the award of a Practical Endorsement Certificate. Careers and Study Progression: Students who study other Science A Level subjects in conjunction with Physics will find that such a combination supports an understanding of concepts that feature in more than one Science A Level. Physics is one of the ‘facilitating’ subjects, being one of the most commonly asked-for subjects in university entry requirements. Physics can be studied alone at university or combined with a wide number of subjects. A Physics degree will set you up well for research-based roles and positions in other sciences, while it is also useful for careers in business, finance, IT and engineering. It is not just rocket science: Physics is a route to many careers: from predicting climate change to designing computer games, from architecture to Alzheimer’s research.

Content Overview Assessment Overview

Modelling physics (01) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper

37%

of total

A Level

Content is split into six teaching modules:

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics

Module 2 – Foundations of physics

Module 3 – Forces and motion

Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons

Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics

Module 6 – Particles and medical physics

Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6.

Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6).

Exploring physics (02) 100 marks 2 hours 15 minutes written paper

37%

of total

A Level

Unified physics (03) 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper

26%

of total

A Level

Practical endorsement in physics (04)* (non exam assessment)

Reported separately