Course information
Physics
Forest School - Waltham Forest
02085201744
College Place, Snaresbrook, London, E17 3PY
Course summary

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and tries to answer the questions of how everything in the universe works, from the smallest invisible particles such as electrons to the largest structures like galaxies, and everything in between; it is truly fascinating. The theories that have developed over the centuries have played the biggest part in the technological revolution that we see in the world around us and discoveries will continue to shape the future Studying Physics can lead to careers in a wide range of disciplines. From theorist and TV presenter Prof. Brian Cox to guitarist Brian May, physicists are sought after by employers because they have many transferable skills. They go on to jobs in the City, finance, medicine, engineering and industry, telecommunications and computing, technology-related fields, architecture, civil service, law, accountancy, education, research and more. Studying Physics will develop a skill set that is transferable to a wide range of disciplines and so A-level Physics goes well with most subjects. Of course, Mathematics and Chemistry benefit most directly from studying Physics, but students thinking of studying medicine should not overlook the fact that modern medicine relies on Physics more and more and A-level Physics is a sought-after qualification. Physics also obviously complements Computing and Design Technology; less obviously, the logical, analytical and problem-solving skills required for Physics also benefit those studying Economics, Business and Philosophy.

Entry requirements

GCSE Requirements • At least three grade 7s or above • At least three grade 6s or above • At least grade 5 in English and Maths • ­The required grade at I/GCSE in the qualifying subject/s required for their chosen courses – see the Qualifying Subjects.

How you'll be assessed

We follow the Edexcel specification; the following is a broad outline of the material which will be covered. • Forces and motion: vectors, Newton’s Laws, energy, kinematics, projectile motion. • Materials: properties of solids, Young’s modulus, fluid dynamics, density, Archimedes’ principle. • Electricity: Kirchhoff’s Laws, resistivity, internal resistance, potential dividers. • Waves: properties of waves, reflection, refraction, diffraction, polarisation, intensity, e.m. spectrum. • The quantum nature of light: photoelectricity, atomic spectra, wave-particle duality. • Further mechanics: circular motion, momentum. • Electromagnetism: electric and magnetic fields, capacitors, electromagnetic induction, Faraday’s and Lenz’s Laws. • Particle physics: accelerators and detectors, conservation laws in collisions, standard model of quarks and leptons. • Thermal physics: gas laws, kinetic theory, heat capacity. • Oscillations: Simple harmonic motion, resonance, damping. • Nuclear physics: nuclear decay, binding energy, fission, fusion. • Cosmology and astrophysics: gravitational fields, astronomical measurement, the evolution of stars, the fate of the universe. There is no externally assessed coursework. Students are required to carry out and write up a core of 12 practical investigations. These are internally assessed and a simple pass or fail is achieved. This is awarded by the Board but does not affect the A-level grade achieved.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityWaltham Forest
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£17,247 - £24,555
AddressCollege Place, Snaresbrook, London, E17 3PY