Physics A Level

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE JUDD SCHOOL FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Applications open: - awaiting information from school

Applications close: - awaiting information from school

Entry Requirements: - 6.5 average point score, minimum of 4 in English Language and Maths GCSE. Entry grade criteria for A Level subjects chosen.

How to Apply: - We are not taking applications via KentChoices

Open Event: - To be confirmed, please check our school website for updates

Why choose this subject?

Physics is the most fundamental and venerable of the sciences, although it can lead to the most diverse and flexible range of careers and skills, from space travel to archaeology, biophysics to games engines and financial markets to global engineering. Amongst admissions tutors and recruiters alike, it is considered very highly as a valuable A-level. It is a rapidly developing science with well-funded and extensive research – including several new university physics departments – and with enough specialist areas to include everyone’s interests and abilities.

Why study it at The Judd School?

The number of A-level physics students at Judd is very likely the largest in any sixth form in the UK, and this is testament to the consistently excellent results it generates every year. The department’s performance in attracting A-level students is such that it was judged as ‘outstanding’ by the Institute of Physics, and awarded a Teacher Award. Such success stems from the dedicated and skilled physics teachers, all them qualified physicists, who strive to get the very best from every one of their students, regardless of ability.

Physics Society: Organised and run by the students, this weekly meeting provides a regular forum for discussion, answering questions, listening to guest speakers and eating cake.

It often provides a chance for students to talk about their particular physics interests or areas and also frequently generates interest in new topics or cutting-edge research.

British Physics Olympiad: A competition which all Y13 students enter, giving them an opportunity to test their knowledge and brain power against their peers in the UK and on past occasions, at an international level.

The department has close links with industry through the Institute of Physics, providing a year-long series of lectures, The Smallpiece Trust and The Prince’s Trust, both of which offer work experience placements and research opportunities.

Course details: Board and Specification Code: AQA 7408

The course aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding in physics and its applications, to develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment, and to extend their understanding of the way in which mathematical expressions relate to physical principles. A full programme of practical work is included to reinforce the theory lessons. A typical week’s homework would include a set of numerical and qualitative problems, a web-based assignment, and preparation for and writing up an experiment. Students are encouraged to read round the subject, for example by reading New Scientist or Physics Review regularly. (The latter is produced specifically for Advanced GCE students.)

Units:

Measurements and their errors

Particles and Radiation

Waves

Mechanics and materials

Electricity

Further mechanics and thermal physics

Fields and their consequences

Nuclear physics

Option; Turning Points

How it will be assessed:

This is a two-year course, with all final exams being taken at the end of year 2. There is no coursework element, but practicals are an integral part of the syllabus and a practical skills verification will form an additional part of the final A-level grade.

Entry Requirements:

Grade 7 in GCSE Physics or Grade 7 in Combined Science. It is very helpful, but not essential to be studying Mathematics alongside Physics at Advanced level. However, good mathematical skills will be required.