Physics

Course summary

Physics has no limits - we study everything from fundamental particles to cosmology. Without Physics, the gadgets, internet, and electricity supply that we take for granted wouldn't be here. Physics also deals with the big questions: Is the universe infinite or finite? Why do we always find the smallest bits of cereal at the bottom of the packet? Can we use technology to increase life expectancy? Whether your motivation is to think beyond boundaries or to open the door to well-paid careers, the knowledge and skills you gain by studying Physics will be useful. The lab skills, applications of Mathematics, insights into modelling and knowledge of instrumentation developed through a study of Physics apply to a wide range of university courses and careers. Many of the topics covered in Physics will be familiar from IGCSE, but studying in both A Level and IB will broaden my understanding of more contemporary topics such as Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics. New topics will also strengthen students' problem-solving and conceptualisation skills, particularly in the Electric, Gravitation and Magnetic fields elements of the courses. Both courses are heavily grounded in Mathematics. The final applied section of the A Level course will be in Astrophysics, whereas there is no options topic requirement in the IB course. Traditionally, the IB course covers a slightly broader spectrum of content with a slightly narrower depth of study.