KS5 Physics

The department has a good record at A level. The course is delivered through lectures, discussion, private study and practical investigation. There are many opportunities for practical work, which augments theory work and prepares the student for the assessment of experimental skills.

Specifications and requirements

We follow the OCR specifications. Candidates should have at least grade B in GCSE Science and should be mathematically able.

AS Unit 1: Forces and Motion

Scalars and Vectors
Kinematics
Dynamics
Force
Work and Power
Deformation of solids
Forces on vehicles
Car safety

Assessment: 60 minutes written exam taken in January Year 12. 30% of AS, 15% of A2.

AS Unit 2: Electrons and Photons

Electric current
DC circuits
Magnetic effect of current
Quantum Physics
Electromagnetic waves

Assessment: 60 minutes written exam taken in June Year 12. 30% of AS, 15% of A2.

AS Unit 3: (Component 2) Experimental Skills 1

Planning
Implementing
Analysing evidence and drawing conclusions
Evaluating evidence and procedures

Assessment: 90 minutes. Practical in June of Year 12. 20% of AS, 10% of A2

A2 Unit 1: Forces, Fields and Energy

Dynamics
Work and energy
Motion in a circle
Oscillations
Gravitational fields
Electric fields
Capacitors
Electromagnetism
Thermal Physics
The nuclear atom
Radioactivity

Assessment: 90 minutes written exam taken in January of Year 13. 15% of A2

A2 Unit 2: Options in Physics

One of

Cosmology
Health Physics
Materials
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Telecommunications

Assessment: 90 minutes. Taken in June of Year 13. 15% of A2

A2 Unit 3 (Component 1) Unifying Concepts in Physics

A synoptic exam covering all the units of AS and A2

Assessment: 60 minutes written exam taken in June of Year 13. 10% of A2

A2 Unit 3 (Component 2) Experimental Skills 2

Planning
Implementing
Analysing evidence and drawing conclusions
Evaluating evidence and procedures

Assessment: 90 minutes practical exam taken in June of Year 13. 10% of A2