Secondary School
Sixth Form > Our Pathways
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
Sixth Form > Our Pathways
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
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.
Physical Quantities
Making measurements and analysing data
Nature of quantities
Motion
Forces in action
Work, energy and power
Materials
Newton’s laws of motion and momentum
Charge and current
Energy, power and resistance
Electrical circuits
Waves
Quantum physics
Thermal physics
Circular motion
Oscillations
Gravitational fields
Astrophysics and cosmology
Capacitors
Electric fields
Electromagnetism
Nuclear and particle physics
Medical imaging
Mrs Faulkner
Head of Physics
Bsc Hons Physics with Planetary and Space Physics
Mr Price
Teacher of Physics
MPhys Master in Physics
A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature.
Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.
A Level Physics A (H556) – 2 year course
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).
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!
| 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 |
Ms Faulkner
Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.
