Physics A level

About us

As Lead Teacher of Physics at KWS, it is my job to ensure that the planning, teaching and management of the A level Physics course at KWSixth is outstanding. I have a wealth of experience in setting up new teaching teams and courses across several schools and will use my 14 years experience of teaching A level Physics to ensure that Physics at KWS is the best subject in the best department at the best school in Harpenden.

Teaching and Physics are two of my biggest passions and strengths. I am immensely proud of my undergraduate Physics degree from Durham University and my qualified teacher status, acquired through the Teach First programme whilst working at a challenging London school for the first 4 years of my career.

The KWS Science teaching team is the strongest team of teachers that I have had the pleasure of working with and the team is absolutely dedicated to ensuring our teaching techniques and subject knowledge at all levels are cutting edge and second to none. In our expert hands we will guide you through the fascinating subject that is Physics and all the challenges, nuances and surprises that it presents along the way.

Why Physics?

You are an ideal Physics student if you have/ are willing to nurture and hone:

An inherent curiosity about how and why things happen in the world around us: from the smallest subatomic level, all the way up to the astronomical scale of our Universe.
A strong ability to solve problems and use mathematical tools to process data and model situations.
Practical and investigative skills in Science.
Resilience in relation to challenging learning content as well as an organised ‘can do’ approach to your studies.

Course Outline

A Level Physics exam board: Edexcel

For more specific course content, please click the link to the specification here.

The Edexcel A level Physics course is examined via three written papers at the end of Y13:

Paper 1 – Advanced Physics I (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Paper 2 – Advanced Physics II (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Paper 3 – General and Practical Principles in Physics (2 hours and 30 minutes)

All exam papers will include a wide range of question types including multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions, many of which will require mathematical skills to be applied. Both practical and theoretical aspects of Physics will be included in all three examinations.

Further to the graded examinations, and as per A level Biology and Chemistry, there is a partnering qualification known as the Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail qualification, which will be awarded for practical based work carried out throughout the two years of the course. The grade received for the Practical Endorsement does not affect the examination grade received at the end of the course.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Triple Science Physics Grade 6 or above

or

Combined Science Grade 7,6 or above

and

GCSE Mathematics 6 or above
Average GCSE Points Score of at least 4.5.

Complementary Subjects

It is highly recommended, but not essential, to study A level Maths alongside A level Physics. Physics can work in combination with any other subjects too, but can particularly support/ be supported by studying Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science A levels.

Where could A Level Physics take me?

The skills and knowledge that you will gain through studying A level Physics will be invaluable for any further study or career path. However, A level Physics is an essential qualification for students wishing to study Physical Science or Engineering-based Higher Education courses.

Furthermore it is desirable for anyone wishing to pursue further study/ careers in Architecture, Computing or Finance, or indeed in any career where mathematical or computer based models are used.