Physics (AS and A-Level) AQA

Physics is the search for the answers to some of the biggest questions. It is about the Universe and how it has come to be how it is today. It is also about how the world works on the smallest scale, that of atoms, nuclei, proton, quarks and beyond. The products of physics affect our lives every day. Satellite communications and computers affect the way the world now works and how we organise our lives. Advances in medical physics mean earlier diagnosis of illness and potentially better treatment of disease.

What’s included?             

In year 12 you will study

• Measurements and their errors
• Particles and radiation
• Waves
• Mechanics and materials
• Electricity

In year 13 you will study

• Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Fields and their consequences
• Nuclear physics
• Option Module: Turning Points in Physics

Assessment

AS Level (Year 12)

Assessment at AS takes the form of two written papers, both in June of Year 12, which make up 100% of your final AS grade.  Paper content is as follows.

Paper	Duration	Marks	Weighting	Content
Paper 1	1 hr 30 mins	70	50%	70 marks of short and long answer questions split by topic.
Paper 2	1 hr 30 mins	70	50%	Section A: 20 marks of short and long answer questions on practical skills and data analysis   Section B: 20 marks of short and long answer questions from across all areas of AS content   Section C: 30 multiple choice questions

A Level (Year 13)

Assessment at A Level takes the form of three written papers, all in May / June of Year 13, which make up 100% of your final A Level grade.  Paper content is as follows.

Paper	Duration	Marks	Weighting	Content
Paper 1	2 hours	85	34%	60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on AS content plus Periodic Motion.
Paper 2	2 hours	85	34%	60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on A Level (Y13) content.
Paper 3	2 hours	80	32%	45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.   35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

In addition to this, students must complete a number of required practicals throughout the course which is then assessed as a separate Practical Endorsement. This is either awarded as a “Pass” or a “Fail”

Full details of the specification can be found HERE

We do not require students to study A level mathematics in order to study A level Physics however there are some fundamental mathematical skills which are key in order to be successful in A level Physics.  A list of these can be found here.