Choosing A Level Physics
What is Physics?
Chemistry is the study of matter, its fundamental constituents e.g. atoms, its motion and behaviour through space and time, and the related topics of energy and force.
What is an A Level?
A Levels (Advanced Level) qualifications are level 3, two-year qualifications (GCSEs are level 2) offered in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for students aged between 16 and 19 years old (though adults can also take them). They usually focus on academic subjects, compared to vocational qualifications like BTECs, NVQs and T Levels. A Levels are not compulsory, unlike GCSEs. A Levels can lead to further study (e.g. university), training (e.g. an apprenticeship), or work.
Most people usually study three A Levels but you can study more but note your performance in each may suffer. University offers are normally based on three A Level grades, and taking a fourth or more can have an impact on grades.
They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations.
What Grades Do I Need to Study A Level Physics?
You normally need:
at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 / A* to C
at least a grade 6 in physicsHowever, please note that the specific requirements needed to study A Level Physics will vary across sixth-form schools and colleges so it’s important to verify with them what grades you will need.
Where Can I Study A Level Physics?
16 – 19 year olds can study A Level physics for free at any sixth-form school or college. Most students study A Levels full-time but you can also study them part-time at some colleges.
What is the Difference Between AS and A2?
AS levels are half an A Level. A2 refers to the second year of an A Level. AS Levels are standalone courses, you’ll take your AS exams at the end of your first year and in order to obtain an A Level you’ll need to take all the exams at the end of the two-year course.
A Levels via Distance Learning
If you feel that you let yourself down with your A Level Physics results, or perhaps you are an older adult and didn’t take any at all, why not look into distance learning where you can study for your A Level from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This is perfect for full-time workers, full-time parents or carers etc.
Distance learning courses aim to provide you with the same quality and experience as you would benefit from in a classroom environment but to best suit your needs at home with professional tutors guiding you throughout the course. There are a number of online institutions offering you the chance to gain your A Level in physics via distance learning just use a search engine to find them. Note that you have to pay for distance learning, they are not government funded.
What is in the A Level Physics Syllabus?
There are many exam boards including: AQA, Pearson Edexcel Physics A (Salters-Nuffield), Pearson Edexcel Physics B, OCR Physics A, OCR Physics B.
I will provide the syllabus and exam paper details of the most popular, sat by over 35,000 students in 2022, AQA.
AQA A Level Physics Subject Content
Core content
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Fields and their consequences
- Nuclear physics
Options
- Astrophysics
- Medical Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics
AS Assessments (1-year standalone course)
| Paper 1 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Sections 1 – 5 |
| Assessed: written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes – 70 marks – 50% of AS |
| Questions: 70 marks: short and long answer questions |
| Paper 2 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Sections 1 – 5 |
| Assessed: written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes – 70 marks – 50% of AS |
| Questions: Section A: 20 marks of short and long answer questions on practical skills and data analysis Section B: 20 marks of short and long answer questions from across all areas of AS content Section C: 30 multiple-choice questions |
A Level Assessments (full two-year course)
| Paper 1 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Sections 1 to 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion) |
| Assessed: written exam: 2 hours – 85 marks- 34% of A-level |
| Questions: 60 marks: short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content |
| Paper 2 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8 Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1 |
| Assessed: written exam: 2 hours – 85 marks – 34% of A-level |
| Questions: 60 marks: short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content |
| Paper 3 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Section A Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis Section B: Students enter one of sections 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 |
| Assessed: written exam: 2 hours – 80 marks – 32% of A-level |
| Questions: 45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis. 35 marks of short and long answer questions on an optional topic. |
Career Options for Those Who Have Studied A Level Physics
Possible career choices that require A Level Physics include:
acoustic consultant, astronomer, clinical scientist (medical physics), geophysicist, metallurgist, meteorologist, nanotechnologist, radiation protection practitioner, research scientist (physical sciences), sound engineer, teaching (secondary school teacher, further education teacher, technical author and a wide range of other careers.
