Physics is an enjoyable A Level course for anyone with a sense of curiosity about the world. The AQA Physics specification is followed and aims to: • develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other • develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods • develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills • develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject • understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Most of the course content will be familiar from GCSE, though topics will be covered in more depth and mathematical detail. The exception is the section on particles and quantum phenomena, which is an introduction to some exciting new ideas. The lessons are a mixture of theory, problem solving and calculations, individual and group practical work. Practical skills are taught in lessons and then tested in a written format similar to that at GCSE. ICT is used extensively in Physics lessons for datalogging, simulations and graphing and analysing results using spreadsheets as well as for research and presentations. It does not matter whether pupils took Separate Sciences or Trilogy at GCSE level and although many A Level Physicists do also study Mathematics this is helpful, but not essential, for an understanding of the Physics course. However, candidates do need to be numerate and able to apply mathematical skills confidently to problems and calculations. Lower Sixth Course Content • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves •Mechanics and materials • Electricity Upper Sixth Course Content • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves • Mechanics and materials • Electricity • Further mechanics and thermal physics • Fields and their consequences • Nuclear physics The option choices are: • Astrophysics • Medical physics • Engineering physics • Electronics • It is most likely that we will study Turning points
Places in Withington’s Sixth Form are limited and prospective students who wish to apply are advised to visit us on the Sixth Form Information Evening and/or one of our Open Days. If after your visit you wish to take the next step in the admission process, you should complete a Statement of Interest (the form is available from admissions@wgs.org). This will enable our Sixth Form admissions team to review the Statements of Interest submitted by candidates to gain an understanding of factors such as predicted grades and A Level subject choices, but also why candidates wish to take those subjects and their aspirations beyond school. We recommend this route for girls who know their A Level subject choices and whose predicted grades meet our entry requirements (a minimum of six 7-9 grades at GCSE, with 8-9 grades in the subjects you wish to study). After reviewing the Statements of Interest, before the end of the Autumn term, we will invite a number of candidates to submit a formal application. Once an application is received, references from current schools will be taken and an appointment made to take part in an interview. Interviews may take place in person or online. Applicants are notified of the outcome of the Sixth Form admissions process by the end of March.
The A Level examinations are 3 papers of 2 hours each and include multiple-choice questions and structured questions. Practical skills are assessed continually throughout the course and lead to a Pass in the Practical Endorsement.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Manchester |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £15,573 |
| Address | Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6BL |
Physics is an enjoyable A Level course for anyone with a sense of curiosity about the world. The AQA Physics specification is followed and aims to: • develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other • develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods • develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills • develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject • understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Most of the course content will be familiar from GCSE, though topics will be covered in more depth and mathematical detail. The exception is the section on particles and quantum phenomena, which is an introduction to some exciting new ideas. The lessons are a mixture of theory, problem solving and calculations, individual and group practical work. Practical skills are taught in lessons and then tested in a written format similar to that at GCSE. ICT is used extensively in Physics lessons for datalogging, simulations and graphing and analysing results using spreadsheets as well as for research and presentations. It does not matter whether pupils took Separate Sciences or Trilogy at GCSE level and although many A Level Physicists do also study Mathematics this is helpful, but not essential, for an understanding of the Physics course. However, candidates do need to be numerate and able to apply mathematical skills confidently to problems and calculations. Lower Sixth Course Content • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves •Mechanics and materials • Electricity Upper Sixth Course Content • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves • Mechanics and materials • Electricity • Further mechanics and thermal physics • Fields and their consequences • Nuclear physics The option choices are: • Astrophysics • Medical physics • Engineering physics • Electronics • It is most likely that we will study Turning points
Places in Withington’s Sixth Form are limited and prospective students who wish to apply are advised to visit us on the Sixth Form Information Evening and/or one of our Open Days. If after your visit you wish to take the next step in the admission process, you should complete a Statement of Interest (the form is available from admissions@wgs.org). This will enable our Sixth Form admissions team to review the Statements of Interest submitted by candidates to gain an understanding of factors such as predicted grades and A Level subject choices, but also why candidates wish to take those subjects and their aspirations beyond school. We recommend this route for girls who know their A Level subject choices and whose predicted grades meet our entry requirements (a minimum of six 7-9 grades at GCSE, with 8-9 grades in the subjects you wish to study). After reviewing the Statements of Interest, before the end of the Autumn term, we will invite a number of candidates to submit a formal application. Once an application is received, references from current schools will be taken and an appointment made to take part in an interview. Interviews may take place in person or online. Applicants are notified of the outcome of the Sixth Form admissions process by the end of March.
The A Level examinations are 3 papers of 2 hours each and include multiple-choice questions and structured questions. Practical skills are assessed continually throughout the course and lead to a Pass in the Practical Endorsement.