Entry requirements: Grade 7 in GCSE Physics or 7:7 in Combined Science.
A physics qualification opens the doors to all sorts of jobs and courses. All the technology that surrounds us is based on the principles of physics, so if you are considering working in any area related to technology from music to medicine, or lasers to law – studying physics is an essential first step.
Do you want to investigate the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between?
How about understanding how the technology around you works? Want to save the planet or maybe just help people get better when they are ill?
Studying Physics can develop: Technology in our everyday lives, help you understand your surroundings along with shaping and building a sustainable future.
For everything Physics take a look at www.iop.org
We follow OCR A Physics, which covers the following topics.
The six modules are each divided into key topics:
Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
- Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2: Foundation in physics
- Physical quantities and units
- Making measurements and analysing data
- Nature of quantities
Module 3: Forces and motion
- Motion
- Forces in action
- Work, energy and power
- Materials
- Newton’s laws of motion and momentum
Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons
- Charge and current
- Energy, power and resistance
- Electrical circuits
- Waves
- Quantum physics
Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics
- Thermal physics
- Circular motion
- Oscillations
- Gravitational fields
- Astrophysics and cosmology
Module 6: Particles and medical physics
- Capacitors
- Electric fields
- Electromagnetism
- Nuclear and particle physics
- Medical imaging
Assessment:
The course is assessed with three exams at the end of year 13. Pupils also gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement.
