The department boasts well-qualified teachers who have many years of experience in preparing students for A-level and GCSE examinations. Many successful students have passed through the department before entering universities to become doctors, dentists, engineers and research scientists.

We are a lively, enthusiastic and energetic department, forward-thinking in our approach to the teaching of the subject, with well equipped laboratories and expert technical staff.

Physics in its breadth and depth and the intellectual demands it makes certainly presents a challenge. It is our aim to help students face up to the challenge so that they may find, in the study of physics, a worthwhile and enriching experience

The A-level course is modular, three modules being taken at AS level during the Lower Sixth and three modules being taken at A2 level during the Upper Sixth. In both years, one of the modules involves the internal assessment of practical skills, while the other two are theory modules. It is intended that there should be an opportunity to sit a module examination in January as well as in June.

The examining board is the AQA and the specification is A. This specification is designed to encourage candidates to:

• Progress smoothly from previous GCSE studies in physics
• Develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics
• Gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills
• Appreciate how science works and its relevance beyond the laboratory
• See how physics links to other sciences and how the subject underpins important technologies
• Study optional topics so they can specialise in topics that generate interest

AS outline

At AS, this specification introduces new topics as well as building on previous studies. The two AS theory units provide alternative starting points for the AS course:

• Unit 1: Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity
• Unit 2: Mechanics, Materials and Waves
• Unit 3: Investigative and Practical Skills

A2 outline

At A2, this specification builds on AS physics and includes optional topics:

• Unit 4: Fields and Further Mechanics
• Unit 5: This unit comprises two sections

Section A: Nuclear and Thermal Physics

Section B: Option Units

• Unit 6: Investigative and Practical Skills

The specification thus provides a smooth pathway from GCSE and a route to university courses in physics and other subjects in which physics is a key component.

For a full breakdown of the unit topics and assessment requirements, see the full specification on the AQA website, at www.aqa.org.uk.

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