Physics is arguably the most fundamental science and as such it provides a unique insight into why things happen and how things work. This is not just restricted to what most people would associate with physics: batteries and bulbs, levers and pulleys. The A-level physicist will meet all manner of strange and occasionally mind-boggling ideas. It cannot be pretended that physics is easy but it is extremely rewarding and carries a great deal of weight in UCAS and future job applications, with a very strong international appeal. It is best supported by A-level mathematics, and although this is not essential, anyone choosing physics should enjoy mathematical challenges. A physics qualification is useful in a huge variety of careers, by demonstrating the ability to analyse, work independently and provide an intelligent approach to problem solving. For this reason, it is highly regarded as a qualification not only in all branches of science and engineering but also in the areas of business, finance and law. In the first year of study, students begin with an initial introductory course of measurement techniques. The topics of materials and mechanics precede the topics of electricity and waves. At the end of the first year students study particle physics; looking at the Standard Model of Matter. Wave-particle duality and quantum effects. For the second year of the course, students explore further mechanics, fields, heat and nuclear physics, along with an optional topic, such as turning points or astrophysics. Throughout the two years of the course, laboratory skills are gained through a set of prescribed practical investigations, which are then examined in the final written paper 3. In addition, these practical skills are assessed on an ongoing basis to provide evidence for the ‘Practical Endorsement’ of the A-level, which is in addition to the final grade.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
The A-level is examined in three 2-hour papers, which assess both years of the course. Papers 1 and 2 are a mix of structured questions and multiple-choice, whereas the final paper 3 assesses practical skills and data analysis, together with the optional topic.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX |
Physics is arguably the most fundamental science and as such it provides a unique insight into why things happen and how things work. This is not just restricted to what most people would associate with physics: batteries and bulbs, levers and pulleys. The A-level physicist will meet all manner of strange and occasionally mind-boggling ideas. It cannot be pretended that physics is easy but it is extremely rewarding and carries a great deal of weight in UCAS and future job applications, with a very strong international appeal. It is best supported by A-level mathematics, and although this is not essential, anyone choosing physics should enjoy mathematical challenges. A physics qualification is useful in a huge variety of careers, by demonstrating the ability to analyse, work independently and provide an intelligent approach to problem solving. For this reason, it is highly regarded as a qualification not only in all branches of science and engineering but also in the areas of business, finance and law. In the first year of study, students begin with an initial introductory course of measurement techniques. The topics of materials and mechanics precede the topics of electricity and waves. At the end of the first year students study particle physics; looking at the Standard Model of Matter. Wave-particle duality and quantum effects. For the second year of the course, students explore further mechanics, fields, heat and nuclear physics, along with an optional topic, such as turning points or astrophysics. Throughout the two years of the course, laboratory skills are gained through a set of prescribed practical investigations, which are then examined in the final written paper 3. In addition, these practical skills are assessed on an ongoing basis to provide evidence for the ‘Practical Endorsement’ of the A-level, which is in addition to the final grade.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
The A-level is examined in three 2-hour papers, which assess both years of the course. Papers 1 and 2 are a mix of structured questions and multiple-choice, whereas the final paper 3 assesses practical skills and data analysis, together with the optional topic.