AS / A2 Physics

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
If you enjoy a challenge you will enjoy Physics. Studying this course gives you the opportunity to develop logical problem solving skills, carry out practical work, and apply your knowledge to the real world. We aim to make the challenge of Physics as enjoyable as possible through a variety of teaching and learning styles developed through our many years of teaching experience. Physics students are particularly valued by industry and Universities for the varied skills they have acquired.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The topics you will study include mechanics, electricity, waves, particle physics, nuclear structure and radioactivity, plus many others. There is an optional unit during the second year which focuses on applied topics such as rotational dynamics and heat engines e.g. petrol and diesel engine cycles. This is particularly useful for those students who plan to study engineering at University.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You take three units for the AS and three further units for A2. Two units in each year are assessed by examination and the third is based on a practical investigation. In total the practical assessment counts as 20% of the final qualification. Your progress will be monitored through homework and progress tests.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
You must enjoy solving problems mathematically and apply your knowledge to new situations. You must be prepared to work hard and never be afraid to ask for help when it is needed. You should be the sort of person who is curious about how the world, and the universe, works. You will need a minimum GCSE grade C (Higher Tier) in both GCSE Science and Additional Science or GCSE Physics, together with at least a grade C in Maths and a minimum average GCSE pass of C.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Most of our students progress to University, taking degrees in Scientific subjects or Engineering. Many study in areas of Finance, Business and IT. A level Physics is essential for most engineering degrees and is valued as a robust and challenging subject. The numerical, practical and problem solving skills you will develop are prized by employers.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
To further enhance your time with us we offer a variety of trips including to Daresbury Labs and Alton Towers. We arrange lectures and visits to universities and we give you the opportunity to take part in the British Physics Olympiad and the EES Engineering Programme. We also organise a residential trip to visit CERN in Geneva, the world class particle accelerator.