We follow the AQA Physics specification to give our students the best possible opportunity to succeed with engaging physics that is relevant to their real-world experiences.
This course will develop the skills universities and employers want to see in their applicants, while also nurturing a passion for Physics.
The course provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, equipping our students with the practical skills they will need in further scientific education.
Physics is a popular subject at Knights Templar, attracting some of the most able students in the school. 75% of last year’s year 13 cohort achieved an A*-C.
Courses Offered
A Level Physics: 7408 (AQA)
Syllabus Breakdown
Topics taught in Year 1:
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
Topics taught in Year 2:
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Fields and their consequences
- Nuclear Physics
- Option topic* - Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Turning points
There is also a CPAC required practical endorsement – where students will be assessed over the two years on their practical skills. Passing this is often a requirement for continuing to study science or engineering at university.
*This will be decided upon once we have taken many factors into account, such as teaching strengths, student interests and analysis of last year’s results.
Subject Key Concepts
#1 FORCES #2 ENERGY #3 ATOMIC STRUCTURE AND RADIOACTIVITY
#4 PARTICLE MODEL #5 SPACE
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Students who studied GCSE Combined Science must secure at least a Grade 6 in Combined Science and GCSE Maths.
For students who studied the separate GCSE sciences, they must attain at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Physics and GCSE Maths, with at least a Grade 5 in any remaining GCSE Science qualifications.
It is recommended that all students also achieve at least a grade 5 in GCSE English and it is strongly advised this A level is studied in combination with another Science and/or Maths.
Why Study Physics?
Physics explores and seeks to explain the patterns and phenomena of the universe. Students of physics are typically highly numerate and confident problem solvers, who approach complex situations with logic and reason. Studying physics opens doors to further study and employment in various types of engineering and materials science, medical physics, renewable energy, finance, and data analysis roles in both business and sport.
Wider Opportunities
The British Physics Olympiad run an annual Senior Physics Challenge, giving an opportunity to really stretch their ability to solve unusual and challenging problems. Last year one Year 12 student achieved a Silver Award.
We have previously completed workshops with scientist from CERN, the European Particle Physics Laboratory, and participated in a particle physics masterclass at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.
There are opportunities throughout the year for online and in person courses and masterclasses run by a variety of universities that students may choose to participate in to increase the breadth and depth of their study.
What Our Students Say:
'The physics course at A level provided the ideal preparation for my subject at university, with skills and knowledge I developed proving to be useful across all areas of my chosen degree course. More than this, I enjoyed taking physics at A level and would recommend it to anyone who has a mathematical mind and enjoys both theoretical and practical concepts.’
'The recent trip to LHC, Geneva showed us how what we are learning is applied in real life and is used to explain the Big Bang. It was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to anybody.’
'Physics is related to all subjects, it’s all around us. So no matter what other subjects you take, Physics is for you.’
What Can I Do Next?
There is a high demand for people with knowledge of physics, both as a science and in its application in a range of employment sectors. Around 1 in 20 jobs have a need for physics knowledge; from scientists and engineers to laboratory technicians and pilots. You may choose to progress to a university degree or one of a growing number of apprenticeships.
The skills you will develop while studying A Level Physics will allow you to enter almost any field of employment. You may want a job in physics, or you may encounter physics in your job.
A study completed by the Institute of Physics found that graduates going straight into employment earned an average salary of £22,500, 14% higher than the average graduate salary of £19,700 for all subjects (2008 figure).
