If the mysteries of our universe fascinate you, if the world about you and how it works captures your imagination, then studying Physics could be perfect for you.
At Holy Cross we have a wide-ranging course which has received great feedback from the students who have studied with us.
The course is a great introduction to all the fundamental topics in Physics.
The first section of the course covers topics you will have studied at GCSE – but you’ll have the opportunity to study them in much more detail than you have before. Towards the end of your first year, you will study two unfamiliar and exciting topics – particle physics and quantum phenomena. What is antimatter? Can particles behave like waves? How can we use the light emitted from a gas to show that the universe is expanding? You’ll explain all this and more!
In your second year, you will study more fascinating topics and answer many different questions: How does the Earth’s rotation affect the reading on your bathroom scales? How fast do I need to be moving to completely escape the Earth’s gravitational field? Would a space explorer come home younger or older than their twin who they left on Earth? What does E = mc2 mean?
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Year 1 topics:
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Year 2 topics:
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Questions throughout the course are a mix of both numerical and qualitative. The course is highly mathematical, but you also need to be able to explain your reasoning clearly – maths and language skills are both very important.
During your two years of study, you will also enjoy numerous in-class practicals, allowing you to see some of the key concepts in action.
Whether you want to go on to study Physics/Engineering at university or simply want to learn more about how our world works while gaining some invaluable skills along the way, Physics A Level will set you up well for your future. A Physics qualification is highly valued by universities and employers alike.
From astrophysics to engineering, from the energy industries to healthcare - Physics opens up a huge range of potential career choices. Even if you’re considering another career area, A Level Physics offers a firm foundation for building future knowledge and skills.
A Level Physics is useful or an essential for a wide range of careers including all branches of engineering, careers in scientific research, medical physics, electronics, meteorology, astrophysics, environmental science and geophysics.
At the end of the two year course, students will sit three exams:
Paper 1 –assessing Year 1 subject material and periodic motion (34% of the overall grade).
Paper 2 – primarily assessing Year 2 material but with assumed knowledge of all the Year 1 material.
(Also worth 34% of the overall grade). Each of these papers will consist of long and short answer questions as well as some multiple choice questions.
Paper 3 – This final exam makes up the remaining 32% of the overall grade. It is made up of two sections, 18% based on practical experiments and data analysis, and 14% based on the optional topic.
Practical skills will also be assessed throughout the two years in a separate pass/fail ‘practical endorsement’.
Level: A Level
A Level Physics is very different from GCSE –this is where we explore at a deeper level and so our associated knowledge and skills need more depth too. This level of physics study has a strong maths element, so to join us you will need good results in this area as well as in your sciences.
Examining Board: AQA
Entry Requirements:
GCSE Physics grade 6 or above.
GCSE Combined Science grade 6/6.
GCSE Maths grade 6 or above.
An average GCSE score of 5.50 or higher.
Other science qualifications may be considered; please contact us to arrange a discussion if this applies to you.
Great subjects to partner Physics A Level:
A Level Maths is the perfect subject to study alongside Physics. Algebra and trigonometry are key tools in A Level Physics so being keen on Maths is essential. Plus, if you want to study Physics or Engineering at university you’ll need a strong Maths A Level result to achieve that goal.