Studied at ncn High Pavement Sixth Form College.
This course can also be studied over two years, or as an intensive one-year programme for post-sixth form students or those aged 19+ at ncn High Pavement Sixth Form College.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
While most students combine Physics with other science subjects, Maths or ICT, it is perfectly possible to study any other ‘A’ Level subjects. In deciding your combination of subjects, you should take into account any career ambitions you may have, the subjects you are good at, and the subjects you enjoy.
Since 'A' Level Physics uses a wide variety of mathematical techniques, it is helpful to study Mathematics at either ‘A’ Level or ‘AS’ Level. If you do not study Mathematics, you will need to do some extra work, and we will support you in this.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught for three lessons each week. We use a variety of approaches to learning. These include “traditional” teaching, as well as supported self-study. You can expect to spend time on a variety of assignments, such as numerical exercises, practical reports and project reports.
Our facilities
We have fully equipped laboratories, with a wide range of modern apparatus which allows you to carry out a full practical programme. This is backed up by the services of an experienced technician. You will be provided with appropriate textbooks to support your own study, and will be encouraged to use the Learning Centre which contains a variety of relevant books and magazines. We make extensive use of computers and you will be able to use them for data analysis and simulation as well as for word processing, and data logging.
Where the course may lead?
Most students following an ‘A’ Level course in Physics are intending to go to university, many of them to study for degrees in Physics, Engineering, Medicine or other areas within science. Please note that to do Physics or Engineering at university, you must also have done ‘A’ Level Mathematics. Other students, who do not wish to continue to university, have gone into a wide variety of occupations on leaving ncn, often as management trainees in large or small companies.
Length
- 'AS' in Year 1
- 'A2' in Year 2
Entry Requirements
'AS':
All students will be required to take an initial maths assessment. You are strongly advised to study ‘AS’ Maths.
- At least Grade B in GCSE Additional Science
- At least Grade B in GCSE Physics if you have studied the three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) at GCSE level
- At least Grade B in GCSE Mathematics, or planning to take 'AS' Maths
It is expected that you will be studying
‘AS’ Maths alongside ‘AS’ Physics as maths is
an essential element of the physical sciences.
All students will be required to take an initial
maths assessment.
'A2':
- At least Grade E in 'AS' Physics
Course Content
3 units at 'AS' Level, including:
- Mechanics
- Electrons, Waves and Photons
- Practical Skills in Physics
3 units at 'A2' Level, including:
- The Newtonian World
- Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics
- Practical Skills in Physics 2
Assessment
Theoretical and practical examinations
Aims & Ambitions
A Higher Education course in Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Health Studies, or Sport Science, or a career in physics, radiology, astronomy or material science.