Physics
St Edward's School - Oxfordshire
01865319323
Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN
Course summary

The AQA Level course encourages a real interest in the subject and equips the pupils with the practical and intellectual skills necessary to take the subject into Higher Education. It is a natural choice for those wishing to study engineering and natural sciences but would also provide useful skills for aspiring medical pupils, architects, accountants and economists (to name just a few professions). This two-year, linear course provides pupils with a thorough understanding of traditional topic areas, such as classical mechanics and engineering physics, whilst seamlessly incorporating modern and cutting edge understanding like particle physics and quantum theories. The terminal exam comprises three theory papers all containing a mixture of multiple choice and structured questions. These require strong mathematical skills and an extensive, hands-on experience of a wide range of experiments. Pupils undertaking this course are not just examined on their practical skills through coursework or a terminal exam, but through demonstrating over the two-year period that they are competent across a number of required skills. We hope to make the subject come alive and show why it is so relevant in these times of rapid technological development. Practical work plays a central role in our lessons, reinforcing theory and enabling pupils to become highly proficient in an extensive range of equipment from digital oscilloscopes and electrical circuits to video analysis and other data logging tools. Outside of the classroom pupils can build on their lesson-based experiences by attending enrichment sessions on programming and high-level problem solving activities.

Entry requirements

Sixth Form candidates are expected to achieve strong GCSE grades across the board. As a minimum, pupils should gain a 7 or above at GCSE in the subjects (or relevant subjects) they hope to study at A Level or at Higher Level within the IB. Particularly at A Level, that requirement moves up to an 8 for either Maths or any of the three traditional Sciences. Pupils wishing to study A Level Physics are required to achieve an 8-8 in the GCSE Science Double Award (internal or external candidates) or an 8 in GCSE Physics (external candidates). Mathematical questions account for 30% of the total exam marks available and as such, we also require both an 8 in GCSE Maths and that Maths is studied at A Level.

How you'll be assessed

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityOxfordshire
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form FeeUnknown
AddressWoodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN