Physics

Course summary

Physics is an intellectually challenging subject, requiring deep understanding of amazing and extraordinary ideas. Compared with GCSE, which focuses more on what happens, A-Level Physics focuses more on why things happen. Over the two years you will study the foundations of Physics involving mechanics (motion, projectiles, forces, energy, materials and oscillations), waves, electricity, quantum physics (including its strange implications), thermal physics, electric, magnetic and gravitational fields, capacitors, and cutting-edge physics in the fields of particle physics, radioactivity, medical physics and cosmology. There is no coursework, but practical skills are an essential part of the course. The course also develops mathematical ideas, and mathematical reasoning is used far more to explain concepts. Candidates must therefore also be taking Maths or Further Maths A-Level as the second year of Physics A-Level is impossible without it