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St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School

A-Level Physics

Course Details

Physics is taught mainly as a content-led approach. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics and they’re both assessed through written papers and, for A-Level only, a teacher assessed Practical Endorsement. The Edexcel Physics specification aims to encourage learners to develop:

  • Essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
  • A deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.

Competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills

Modules Studied

The specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of physics:

  • Topic 1 – Working as a physicist              
  • Topic 2 – Mechanics
  • Topic 3 – Electric Circuits                          
  • Topic 4 – Materials
  • Topic 5 – Waves and Particle Nature of Light
  • Topic 6 – Further Mechanics
  • Topic 7 – Electric and Magnetic Fields
  • Topic 8 – Nuclear and Particle Physics
  • Topic 9 – Thermodynamics                       
  • Topic 10 – Space
  • Topic 11– Nuclear Radiation                     
  • Topic 12 – Gravitational Fields
  • Topic 13 – Oscillations

What can I do after I have completed this course?

Physics brings a lot of scientific theory and thinking together and a good A-Level grade in the physics demonstrates that a student can apply themselves in problem solving, practical skills and scientific writing; all these qualities are highly prized in today’s competitive job market.

Physics is a seriously useful subject for the majority of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) careers and you will find physicists everywhere in industry, medicine, transport, government, universities, the armed forces, the secret service, games companies, research labs and more.