Physics A Level Exam Information
A Level
Course Content
Lower Sixth
Measurement and errors
Particles and radiation
Waves
Mechanics and Materials
Electricity
Upper Sixth
Further mechanics and thermal physics
Fields and their consequences
Nuclear physics
The option: Astophysics, medical physics, turning points, engineering
Course Structure
Internal exams will be sat at the end of year 12 which will cover units 1 to 5, which will include practical questions, as there is no practical coursework in the A-Level. After 2 years of study students will sit three 2 hour papers covering units 1 to 8, a compulsory practical section and an optional topic.
Reading and Resources
Text books will be Issued depending on the course content, some suggestions for additional reading around the subject are:
“A Short History of Nearly Everything” – Bill Bryson
“Surely You’re Joking Mr Feynman?” – Richard Feynman
“The Pleasure of Finding Things Out” – Richard Feynman
“A Brief History of Time” (or “A Briefer History of Time”, which is supposed to be a more simple read) – Stephen Hawking
Entry Requirements
Students will have achieved a minimum of a high grade 7 in Physics GCSE or the equivalent in the Physics component of Double Award Science. However, an 8 in Physics GCSE (or in the Physics component of Double Award Science), together with the study of a full A Level in Mathematics are the recommended entry requirements.
Exam Board: AQA
