Physics (A Level)
For the most up to date information about courses being offered in the next upcoming academic year (for study from the following September), please view our prospectus by clicking below.
CURRICULUM INTENT
Physics A-Level has been sequenced to help to develop students into burgeoning Physicists, through the development of not only curriculum knowledge, but also key skills relating to practical work, and use of equipment as well as logical skills related to mathematics and problem solving.
Students will learn about Physics within both the macro and microscopic worlds, from the beginnings of understanding the universe within the Astrophysics course, using Newtonian mechanics to explain aspects of the universe, to using quantum theory to develop a rudimentary understanding of both quantum mechanics and particle physics at the microscopic scale, and delving into the fundamental particles believed to make up nucleons on the quantum scale
We believe that the knowledge and skills are both equally important and cannot be separated in the teaching of a Physics curriculum. These two aspects are intertwined throughout the course, with place for well-structured experiments to understand and develop skills in the practical process, and development of key theoretical and mathematical skills throughout the programme of study.
Most topics start with a 'pop' quiz where students are challenged to remember relevant content from the KS4 curriculum, which are then reinforced with the development of further depth through the KS5 content delivered. Each topic has exam based end of topic assessments, in which students have the opportunity to practice their exam technique running throughout the course. These end of topic assessments lag behind the taught content in the lessons, giving students additional time to practice the content before the exams.
Frequent low stakes homework is given to students to practice the skills and processes developed throughout the lessons, ensuring that students have access to lots of practice exam questions throughout the course. Students also have access to Kerboodle the online textbook, in which there are additional practice questions which can be completed during students study time at school.
The curriculum is structured with Key Stage 4 physics in mind, it continues the spiral based curriculum of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, more depth is provided to certain topics in the Year 13 curriculum, specifically electricity where more a more in depth discovery of capacitors is considered building upon the foundations of electricity delivered in Year 12. Topics still cover the key strands delivered further down the curriculum in Electromagnets, Energy, Forces and Waves, with additional key strands considered of Fields and Particles.
COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
In the space underneath, you will find specific information related to this subject. As Key Stage 5 specifications change, it is possible that the course being offered to Year 12 is different to that being studied in Year 13.
With that in mind, please find attached below, links to the respective courses being offered to current Year 12 and Year 13 students.
Year 12 - A Level Physics:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408/specification-at-a-glance
Year 13 - A Level Physics:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408/specification-at-a-glance
CURRICULUM MAPS
Please find attached below, the Curriculum Maps for both Year 12 and Year 13: