Physics A Level
The course is divided into a variety of topics, each containing different key physics concepts. Once you have learnt the key features of a particular topic, you move on to consider the applications in real situations. As a physicist, you will be developing into a confident mathematician as 40% percent of your marks will be from maths. You will be able to use maths in context which will support your understanding of both subjects. Ethan (our Physics Tutor) has a PhD in particle physics and has worked at both the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in CERN and the HERA collider in Hamburg. He was the Head of Physics at the University of Birmingham School and maintains strong links with the Physics department’s outreach team, providing Masterclasses, Cosmic Ray days and every year we host a physicist from the university in lessons (between Christmas and Easter). Practical work is an integrated part of the course (supported by modern lab facilities and new data-logging equipment) and is used regularly. More assessed practicals are carried out than the minimum 12 and this further develops students’ ability to perform on their practical skills exams. We have access to e-journals, e-books and books. The college also holds activities for British Science Week such as “Meet the Scientist” event. We also hold A Level revision workshops and conferences as part of developing study skills. The College has online learning facilities such as Attain, access to e-books and Kerboodle, and the learning zone has a wide selection of books. We hold A Level revision workshops and conferences as part of developing study skills. In Physics, you will work with Cambridge University’s Isaac Physics online. We have also recently purchased £1,000 of data-logging kit for you to use in assessed practicals. You will also be expected to complete a work placement as part of your programme of study; study skills and employability skills will be developed with the help of your personal tutor.
The AQA syllabus will be followed: Year 1: Electricity, Mechanics, Materials, Waves, Quantum Mechanics and Particle Physics. Year 2: Thermal Physics, Fields (Gravitational, Electrical and Magnetic) and Nuclear Physics. You will also do an option chosen from: Astrophysics, Engineering Physics, Medical Physics or Turning Points in Physics. Unique to the Longbridge (Bournville College) campus (and the UoB School) the second year option is decided by the students, so all options are offered. Practical Endorsement: To achieve a pass in this component of the course, you must demonstrate competence in all the expected practical skills. There is a requirement of a minimum of 12 assessed practicals that must be completed over a two year period, however at Longbridge (Bournville College) campus, this will be extended to better develop your practical skills. Assessment will be three papers at the end of the two years. Paper 1 is first year content, simple harmonic motion and circular motion, Paper 2 is second year content. The final paper will assess your understanding of practical skills and your short option unit. 40% of marks will require solving A Level standard mathematical problems Practical Endorsement: To achieve a pass in this component of the course, students must demonstrate that they are competent in all the expected practical skills. There is a requirement of a minimum of 12 assessed practicals that must be completed over a two year period; however at Longbridge (Bournville College) campus, we do more practicals than the 12 minimum required, including previous ISAs as well as simple learning-related practicals, which also further support your practical exam paper.
You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 which must include grade 6 in either Double Award Science or GCSE physics. You also need to have a 6 or above in Maths and a 4 or above in English (on the higher papers). Enrolment is subject to satisfactory completion of an induction period. You may wish to consider an alternative such as the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science which is a mixture of coursework and exams. In your second year you will be expected to use AS Level maths to answer questions, so it is strongly suggested that you qualify and opt for A Level maths.
Our A level students regularly perform better than the national average and exceed their targets based on GCSE scores. 100% of the class of 2019 passed their A-level, with one student taking a gap year and the remainder going to university. Physicists are in the top earning graduates going on to: Engineering, Research, Banking, Patent Law and Management. Other careers: Architect, Climatologist, Doctor, Nuclear Scientist, Pharmacist, Teacher, Mathematician. Past students have gone onto Russell Group Universities to study Physics with Maths and Electronic Engineering to name a few. Some of the careers students can eventually progress onto are: aeronautical engineer, architect, climatologist, doctor, nuclear scientist, pharmacist, teacher or mathematician.
This course is part of the government funded Lifelong Learning Guarantee and is available free of charge to adult learners aged 19+ without a first full level 3 qualification.
See the West Midlands Combined Authority website for full eligibility criteria here.
Please contact our admissions team for the cost if you do not meet the criteria and we will confirm the fee.
