A Level Physics 2024-25

Awarding Body Studied - AQA
If you would like to find out more specific information about the topics covered, you can look at the specification online for AQA A Level Physics.

If you are enjoying the topics covered in the physics in your science lessons at GCSE then you should definitely consider studying physics. You will learn to understand and explore exciting and fundamental ideas such as quantum mechanics, fields, circular motion, capacitance, relativity and cosmology. If you enjoy utilising maths and finding solutions to problems satisfying, then studying A level physics is worth serious consideration.

Core content:
1.Measurements and their errors, including use of SI units and their prefixes, limitations of physical measurement, estimation of physical quantities
2.Particles and radiation, including constituents of the atom, particle interactions, collisions of electrons with atoms
3.Waves, including progressive waves, interference, diffraction
4.Mechanics and materials, including projectile motion, Newton’s laws of motion
5.Electricity, including current/voltage characteristics, circuits, electromotive force and internal resistance
6.Further mechanics and thermal physics, including periodic motion, thermal energy transfer, molecular kinetic theory model
7.Fields and their consequences, including Newton’s law of gravitation, orbits of planets and satellites, magnetic flux density
8.Nuclear physics, including evidence for the nucleus, radioactive decay, nuclear instability

Optional unit – Learners study one option topic only
Astrophysics, including classification of stars by luminosity, Doppler effect, detection of exoplanets
Or Turning points in physics, including discovery of the electron, Einstein’s theory of special relativity

Physics can help you progress into a wide range of areas, for example in applied physics, astrophysics, geophysics, material technology, forensic science, engineering, meteorology and medical physics. Also into complementary career areas, such as medicine, mathematics, computing, finance, law, accountancy and many more.

Physics can help you progress into a wide range of areas, for example in applied physics, astrophysics, geophysics, material technology, forensic science, engineering, meteorology and medical physics. Also into complementary career areas, such as medicine, mathematics, computing, finance, law, accountancy and many more.

To study A Level Physics you will need to have a grade 6 or above in GCSE Physics (triple science) or a 6-6 in combined Science. Ideally you will also have a grade 6 or above in Mathematics.

To study a 3 A level programme you will need to have a minimum of five 9-4 grade passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

You will sit three exams at the end of year 13 which will come together to give you an overall final grade. Each paper is 2 hours long.

Paper 1 - This covers all year 12 material including waves, mechanics, materials, electricity and particles and radiation. Paper 1 also includes questions based on further mechanics which is a topic covered in year 13.

Paper 2 - This paper covers all year 13 material including gravitational, magnetic and electric fields and nuclear physics, as well as synoptic questions covering content from year 12. This paper also includes a section of multiple choice questions.

Paper 3 - This paper is divided into two sections. The first section is based on practical skills and analysis which you will have developed by working through the 12 required practicals.
The section part of paper 3 is an optional unit. All students must complete the same optional unit and this is usually either astrophysics or turning points.

September 2024

2 Years, Full Time.