Sixth Form > Our Pathways
Physics
Physics is the gateway to providing the skills for problem-solving, meeting the intellectual demands in a wide range of studies and is highly regarded by institutions of Higher Education and employers. It is more than just the “theatre of science”.
Examination Board OCR
Specification Number H556
Let's go on a journey to find your future.
Wood Green Academy is one of Sandwell’s longest-established and highest-achieving Sixth Form Centres.
Course Overview
Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us; from the largest of galaxies to the smallest of particles. Life-changing technological advances have stemmed from the discoveries of physicists, such as satellite navigation, laser eye surgery and electric cars. A level Physics will train you to become an expert problem solver, honing your analytical skills and fostering your thirst for knowledge.
Employers and universities want physics students – they want your curious mind, resilient work ethic and drive to succeed. Not to mention your excellent mathematical and practical skills. There are also a huge number of companies that offer apprenticeships for Physics A Level students; Jaguar-Landrover, the NHS and the European Space Agency to name just a few.
A-Level Physics A: Course overview:
Module 1: Development of practical skills
Module 2 : Foundations of Physics.
Physical Quantities
Making measurements and analysing data
Nature of quantities
Module 3 : Forces and Motion.
Motion
Forces in action
Work, energy and power
Materials
Newton’s laws of motion and momentum
Module 4 : Electrons, Waves and Photons.
Charge and current
Energy, power and resistance
Electrical circuits
Waves
Quantum physics
Module 5 : Newtonian World and Astrophysics.
Thermal physics
Circular motion
Oscillations
Gravitational fields
Astrophysics and cosmology
Module 6 : Particles and Medical Physics.
Capacitors
Electric fields
Electromagnetism
Nuclear and particle physics
Medical imaging
Course Leaders of Physics
Mrs Faulkner
Head of Physics
Bsc Hons Physics with Planetary and Space Physics
Mr Price
Teacher of Physics
MPhys Master in Physics
Entry Requirements
Sixth Form Entry Criteria:
A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature.
Special Entry Requirements:
- GCSE Maths 6+
- GCSE Science 6 6+
- OR GSCE Physics 6+
Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.
Assessment Information
A Level Physics A (H556) – 2 year course
Course Modules
Module 1: Development of practical skills.
Module 2: Foundations of Physics.
Module 3: Forces and Motion.
Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons.
Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics.
Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics.
| Assessment | Topic Area | Duration | Value |
| Paper 1 | Modelling physics – Modules 1,2,3,5 | 2 hours 15 minutes (100 marks) | 37% |
| Paper 2 | Exploring physics – Modules 1,2,4,6 | 2 hours 15 minutes exam (100 marks) | 37% |
| Paper 3 | Unified physics – All Modules | 1 hour 30 minutes exam (70 marks) | 26% |
Non Exam Assessment – Practical endorsements in physics – reported separately (pass or fail).
Progression Route
Physics is one of the most highly regarded A Level courses and so would be in many employers’ and university’s list of desirable subjects. The number of courses and apprenticeships that require Physics A Level is vast: Astrophysics, Engineering, Mechanics, Architecture, Dental Technician, Nuclear Technician, Radiographer, Product Design and Development Technician, Outside Broadcasting Engineer. The list is huge!
Studying Physics will open so many doors. Here are some of our student success stories from 2023:
G Cartright: University of Birmingham Engineering and Applied Science
J Kagla: University of Birmingham Engineering
M Kalang: University of Birmingham Mechanical Engineering with an industrial year
M R Mahdi: University of Birmingham Mathematics and Computer Science
E S-Hodges: University of Birmingham Physics and Astrophysics
M Rahman: Coventry University Civil Engineering
J Bhakta: Nottingham Trent University Design for Film and Television
R Addis: Bentley Motors Electrical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship within Research & Development (Whole Vehicle Engineering). A 4 year paid apprenticeship that will result in an Electrical Engineering degree.
We are so proud of all our Physics students. It is a challenging course that will expand your knowledge of the world around you, give you expert mathematical and problem solving skills and it’s fun. You will complete practical work for every module by following instructions and using your own initiative.
We look forward to working with you all.
How do I prepare?
Recommended Reads
| A Short History of Nearly Everything | Bill Bryson |
| The Most Important Scientific Discovery of All Time | Simon Singh |
| A Brief History of Time | Stephen Hawking |
| The Universe in a Nutshell | Stephen Hawking |
| The Making of a Atomic Bomb | Richard Rhodes |
| Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut’s Journey | Michael Collins |
| Surely you’re joking Mr Feynman | Richard P Feynman & Ralph Leighton |
Download Wider Reading List for Physics
Course Leader of Physics
Ms Faulkner
Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.
School Links
Information
Find Us
- Wood Green Academy
- Wood Green Road
- Wednesbury
- West Midlands
- WS10 9QU
- Tel: +44 (0)121 556 4131
- Email: admin@woodgreenacademy.co.uk
- Media Enquiries: communications@woodgreenacad.co.uk