Physics : A-level

How will I study?

Much of the learning on this course is done through class practicals and demonstrations. Students are usually taught as a class group but at least 4 hours of independent learning per week is required for Physics. The teaching staff are all highly qualified physics specialists, who include examiners and practical monitors with the exam boards. We have 3 specialist physics technicians, 3 dedicated physics laboratories and 3 prep rooms. We are exceptionally well-equipped for teaching Physics, with a wide range of specialist equipment giving a hands-on experience to physics students.

How is the course examined?

The A-level will be examined in the summer of the second year. Exams will cover the entire two years’ work over three papers including practical skills. There will also be 12 practical assessments throughout the course which leads to a certificate of competency in physics practical work (CPAC).

Entry Qualifications

Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language is required. In addition to the standard College entry requirements, this course requires students to have achieved grade 66 or above in GCSE Combined Science (Higher Tier) or a minimum of 655 in the separate sciences which should normally include grade 6 or above in Physics.

College Entry Requirements

We normally expect applicants to have achieved good GCSE passes in at least six subjects, these must:

• demonstrate the suitability for Advanced Level study

• have been achieved at Grade 4/C as a minimum

• include two at Grade 5/B as a minimum

• include English Language - a minimum grade of 4/C

Mathematics - If not achieved within the scope of the above should normally be achieved at grade 3/D. If mathematics is not achieved at grade 4/C then it will be a requirement to continue to study at the correct level until a grade 4 is achieved. Subjects with a mathematical content will require a higher grade.

Where next?

Career opportunities for students studying Physics together with other subjects are excellent. Physicists are highly sought after and the lack of properly qualified physicists creates huge demand for graduates. Employers in unrelated fields also hold it in high regard because of its conceptual nature and intellectual rigour.

What does the course combine well with?

Maths, Electronics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Economics or Design combine well with Physics. We advise that students wishing to study A-level Physics do it alongside A-level Mathematics.

Pathway to Engineering

Physics, Mathematics and Electronics would be an ideal combination for admission into most Engineering courses around the country. The 3 subjects complement each other well and students on this pathway tend to do well in all 3 subjects. WQE is the only sixth form college in the area offering this bespoke pathway.