A level of Physics at Dulwich is concerned with developing skills in reasoning, processing information and solving problems both theoretically and practically. We build on the ideas introduced during the GCSE courses, such as forces, energy, kinetic theory, fields, and waves, but there are two main differences in the way we handle them. First, we strive to unify, to bring out the connections between seemingly unrelated branches of the subject. Secondly, we develop theories that generate algebraic formulae and test whether these match the measurements we make in the laboratory. Inevitably, the subject is more mathematical than at GCSE. Studying Level Mathematics is not essential for A-level Physics however it is very helpful and we strongly advise pupils to choose Mathematics in conjunction with Physics. The main requirements are the ability to do straightforward trigonometry, such as using the sine and cosine functions, accurately drawing and analysing data graphically, and algebraic manipulations, such as changing the subject of an equation. Pupils are also expected to be able to use a calculator confidently and accurately with very large and very small numbers in standard form. In Year 13 pupils will also be expected to use logarithms and have a rudimentary understanding of differentiation and integration. Teaching is split between two teachers and will involve demonstrations, explanations and discussions during which you will be expected to contribute by your interest, awareness and regular revision of previous material. In practical periods you will work individually on routine and more challenging exercises, thereby developing your technical, theoretical, analytical and presentational skills. Prep will take several forms. You will be set problem exercises once or twice a week, the intention of which is to consolidate and extend any topic you are studying. Examples of such tasks are numerical problems and research projects involving textbooks or other sources where you have to extract and process relevant information. These tasks may be via traditional paper and pen but the department increasingly uses online resources too, like Isaac Physics. Reading scientific journals, New Scientist or Physics Review for example, and contributing to the Physics Society and all the projects that it supports will further increase your chances of success in public examinations, the British Physics Olympiad and at university selection interviews. There are also opportunities to expand your studies through trips organised to lectures and workshops as well as to the particle accelerator at CERN in Geneva. We follow the Eduqas examination board, and you will be entered for 3 written examinations at the end of the second year. The linear nature of the course now requires that the entire course is examined at the end of the second year of study. You will however sit 2 internal exams at the end of Year 12, and these will be the predominant factor in determining A-level predictions. With the new A-level examining structure the coursework element has been reduced to an ‘endorsement’ in which the College certifies that each pupil is competent at the various practical skills and techniques that universities expect to see from their undergraduates. We expect that every pupil will achieve the endorsement. There is no specific examined practical element, but there will be a significant amount of questions of a practical nature in each of the written papers sat by candidates. This means that gaining a high level of competency in practical skills is vital for success at A Level. The course is also practical in another sense: it provides the foundations for a wide variety of Applied Science disciplines, ranging from Mechanical Engineering to Electronics. At A level we don’t set out to teach you specifically how a petrol engine or a CD player works, but you will meet the principles that underlie all such pieces of technology.