Physics

Course summary

In Year 12, you will have an opportunity to study particle physics, quantum physics and electricity. By studying these contrasting topics, you will gain awareness of the on-going development of new ideas in physics. You will study the principles and applications of mechanics, materials and waves including optics in detail. During your course, you will carry out practical experiments and investigations to develop your skills and understanding of important concepts. In Year 13, you will learn more about force and energy in the contexts of collisions and explosions, circular motion and oscillations, electric, gravitational and magnetic fields, thermal physics and nuclear physics. You will study important applications and devices including capacitors, electric generators and transformers, and nuclear reactors. In studying an optional topic, which at DGSB is the Astrophysics topic, you will build on relevant topics in the compulsory section of the A Level specification to gain a deeper insight. You will gain further practical skills and greater expertise in analysing measurements and evaluating results.