Physics

The teaching programmes in Science are designed to develop a broad range of practical skills and processes, an understanding of scientific concepts and an awareness of the importance of Science in today’s society.

Facilities

Science lessons are taught in twelve modern laboratories, fully equipped for all school practical activities.

Physics A level

Course details

OCR Physics A

This course covers the basis of how things work, from constituent parts of atoms out to the extent of the universe. Concepts that are studied are integrated with a range of practical experiments throughout each topic, giving the course both an academic and practical focus. The course incorporates both Astrophysics and Medical Imaging and covers the knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to STEM degrees and careers.

During Year 12, students will complete four modules of study:

Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
Module 2: Foundations of physics
Module 3: Forces and motion
Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons

Then in Year 13, they will complete two further modules of study:

Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics
Module 6: Particles and medical physics

Students will gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement. The practical endorsement is awarded based on completion of a minimum of 12 assessed practical activities carried out over the two years of the course.

Link to course specification

Assessment

Exam (2.25 hrs)

Exam

(2 hrs 15 mins)

Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5

37% of the

qualification

Exam (2.25 hrs)

Exam

(2 hrs 15 mins)

Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6

37% of the

qualification

Exam (1.5 hrs)

Exam

(1 hr 30 mins)

Modules 1 - 6

26% of the

qualification

Student quotes

“The best thing about Physics is the practical lessons and learning how the world around us works.”

“You have to work hard outside of class, but there are lots of resources and help available from the teachers.”

Enrichment opportunities

A range of enrichment activities will occur throughout the year including:

visits and talks to science related institutions e.g.
- The Royal Institution
- London and Surrey Universities
- London and local museums and areas of scientific interest

There will also be opportunities to work with Orbyts a research group that has run weekly for several months led by PhD students from UCL. The research group analyses images from a Mars orbiter to look for water signatures. The students learn how to interpret images and how to use coding to determine if the site meets the parameters to be categorised as a past water lake location. The group then will go to UCL to present their research as they believe they have found one of these such sites.

Progression

A level Physics is a highly regarded qualification because of its rigour and demanding nature. It can lead students on to a wide range of careers and university courses. From Physics degrees or degrees in a particular area of Physics (e.g. astrophysics, electronics, medical physics, lasers, quantum physics), to other related subjects such as engineering, meteorology, space, telecommunications, energy, finance or business management.