OCR A LINEAR
Physics is an awe inspiring subject that explains the world around us from the sub atomic particles made in particle accelerators to the creation and fate of the Universe. This course is ideal for any students who wish to continue their study of Physics from GCSE Double or Triple Science courses.
Year 1 and 2 Topics studied
Year 1: Students will cover the following modules:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Physics Module 2 – Foundations of Physics
Module 3 – Forces and Motion
Module 4 – Electrons, Waves and Photons
Year 2 In addition to the above modules, A2 Physics students will also study the following modules:
Module 5 – Newtonian World and Astrophysics
Module 6 – Particles and Medical Physics
Assessment details
- AS Students will sit 2 papers that cover modules 1,2,3 and 4
- AS Paper 1 – Breadth in Physics
- AS Paper 2 – Depth in Physics
- A2 Students will sit a total of 3 papers in their final year
- A Level Paper 1 – Modelling Physics
- A Level Paper 2 – Exploring Physics
- A Level paper 3 – Unified Physics
- A Level Practical Endorsement – teacher assessed Practical skills will be tested throughout external assessment papers
Entry Requirements
Students need a good qualification from GCSE Double or Triple Science. We require that students have achieved a minimum of Level 6 in all Physics GCSE external exam modules and a Level 6 at GCSE Maths.
Expectations
Students are required to put in a considerable amount of study outside of lessons. Independent learning and management of time are key skills required to succeed at A Level Physics. It is a big increase in demand from GCSE and students must be prepared to put in a great deal of focus and time in order to do well. Students have the opportunity to attend after school support sessions on Tuesdays, access to a wide variety of resources on Moodle and can have contact with the Physics department through the Newquay Tretherras Physics page.
Outside of the Classroom
Students must put in a number of hours every week outside of the classroom in order to consolidate their learning, typically we ask students to put in 2 hours of independent study for every 1 hour of lesson time. Some aspects of the course require independent learning and research. Homework in the form of worksheets, online tasks and DIT sheets are set regularly and students will be given individual targets and feedback which they must respond to. All deadlines must be met and all work must always be completed. Students must produce quality notes and revision material in their own time and are expected to regularly carry out wider reading around their subject.
Reasons to Study this?
Physics is a challenging yet interesting course to study that requires intelligence and a high work ethic. This is recognised by both employers and higher education establishments of all course types. A career in Physics offers a huge variety of opportunities in a wide range of different fields. It is also extremely helpful in opening pathways to various other careers such as engineering, medical physics, finance and many more outside the realms of pure Physics.
Find Out More
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-physics-a-h156-h556-from-2015/