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. 79% 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 element – where students will be assessed over the two years on their practical skills. They will achieve either a pass or a fail.
*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.
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?
If one asks 'Why are physicists so successful?' the answer becomes readily evident and very obvious. People trained in the physical sciences are generally highly numerate, good at problem solving, logical thinkers, capable of learning quickly, analytical thinkers and innovative.
These skills are regarded as extremely valuable in the community and the commercial world, and those who possess them can expect to be sought after and well remunerated.
Wider Opportunities
Last year we ran an online workshop with Cern scientists, the European Particle Physics Laboratory where students asked questions to people currently working in the field of Physics. This state of the art facility is the work place of some of the world’s most eminent physicists that come from far and wide to carry out their research. We hope to run this again in the future.
We also took 20 A Level students to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire to take part in a full day’s Particle Physics Masterclass, during which they enjoyed lectures, hands on workshops and also a chance to visit some state of the art facilities. This event was run in connection with The European Centre for Nuclear Research (Cern).
This year we will be running workshops and possibly trips to the Culham Centre for Fusion in Oxfordshire
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?
The skills you will develop while studying A Level Physics will allow you to enter almost any field of employment. Popular career destinations after completing an undergraduate degree in Physics are: education, finance, scientific and technical industries, government, energy and environment, electronics/IT/software, media and communications, retail/leisure, healthcare.
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).
