AS & A2 Physics
AQA Course
The physics A level course is designed to reflect modern developments in physics and its applications. At the same time it provides a sound foundation for further study whilst remaining a standalone qualification of significant merit. We do encourage students who wish to pursue physics to university to also take A level Mathematics.
The course is very practical, encouraging students to discover, prove or explore for themselves how the world around us works.
Since I have been teaching at John Beddoes, everyone who completed the course passes - we have a 100% pass rate.
Structure of the course
The course is modular - three modules being taken as the AS course and a further three making up the A2 course. This allows a great flexibility as modules can be examined in January or in June of both years. There is no coursework, all work is assessed by written or practical examination.
AS - year 12
The three modules at AS are:
* Unit 1 - particles, quantum phenomena and electricity
* Unit 2 - mechanics, materials and waves
* Unit 3 - investigative and practical skills
Each module is examined as a written paper, with unit 3 including a practical examination element counting for 20% of the AS mark.
A2 - year 13
The modules in the A2 course are:
* Unit 4 - fields and further mechanics
* Unit 5 - nuclear and thermal physics
Unit 5 includes an optional element chosen from astrophysics, medical physics, applied physics or turning points in physics
* Unit 6 - investigative and practical skills
Unit 6 is a synoptic paper covers work from all of the AS and A2 areas of study
The choice of module studied at A2 is made by the students to reflect their interests and career, or further study needs.
These are more applied areas of study and as much work as possible is completed out in the community, for instance visiting hospitals, local industries or the local observatory. All units are examined as a written paper, with unit 6 including a practical examination.
Do you want to go to study more physics?
Physics is the starting point to many careers ranging from medical or sporting interests, thorough engineering music, journalism, computing and many more.
Did you know you could study physics and environmental science, physics and Spanish, physics with music, physics with study in Europe...the courses are almost endless.
