Learning to think like a physicist will help you get to the root of problems and draw connections that aren’t obvious to others. Physics won’t give you all the answers but it will teach you how to ask the right questions. It will challenge both your creativity and your logical thinking, giving you transferable skills you can apply to just about every area of work from setting up your own business to saving the planet. What you’ll study You will learn how to apply maths to real-world problems, exploring new areas such as radioactivity, electric fields and cosmology. In Year 12, you’ll study Particle Physics, Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Phenomena (such as the photoelectric effect), Waves, Forces, Energy, Materials and Electricity. Year 13 covers Periodic Motion (e.g. oscillating systems), Gravitation, Thermal Physics (including kinetic theory), Electric Fields, Capacitors, Magnetic Fields and Radioactivity. For your optional topic, you can choose between Astrophysics and Engineering Physics. Astrophysics will involve topics about lenses and telescopes, the classification of stars and cosmology. In Engineering Physics you’ll look at rotational dynamics, thermodynamics and engines. Physics A-level is highly regarded by leading universities as a subject that develops clear, analytical thinking. It’s a must if you’re considering a degree in Physics, Engineering or other Physics-dependent courses and is also a good foundation for other science routes. A degree in Physics goes on to open up an unrivalled range of career options, from manufacturing to health services, and finance to the computer games industry. Research shows that Physics graduates can expect to earn more on average than the graduates of most other disciplines.
If you're an existing student, entry to the Sixth Form is conditional on you achieving a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 6. You don't have to complete an application form. You’ll need at least a grade 7 in GCSE Physics and Mathematics, together with our general entry requirements. If you’re considering going on to study Physics or Engineering at university, you’ll need to take A-level Mathematics too.
How you’ll be assessed You’ll take three written exams at the end of Year 13. These will be a mixture of multiple-choice, short and long-answer questions. There’s no coursework but some of the exam questions will test your practical skills including graph work, data handling and error analysis. You’ll also complete the 12 ‘required practicals’ during the course.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Bristol, City of |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £17,085 |
| Address | Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX |
Learning to think like a physicist will help you get to the root of problems and draw connections that aren’t obvious to others. Physics won’t give you all the answers but it will teach you how to ask the right questions. It will challenge both your creativity and your logical thinking, giving you transferable skills you can apply to just about every area of work from setting up your own business to saving the planet. What you’ll study You will learn how to apply maths to real-world problems, exploring new areas such as radioactivity, electric fields and cosmology. In Year 12, you’ll study Particle Physics, Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Phenomena (such as the photoelectric effect), Waves, Forces, Energy, Materials and Electricity. Year 13 covers Periodic Motion (e.g. oscillating systems), Gravitation, Thermal Physics (including kinetic theory), Electric Fields, Capacitors, Magnetic Fields and Radioactivity. For your optional topic, you can choose between Astrophysics and Engineering Physics. Astrophysics will involve topics about lenses and telescopes, the classification of stars and cosmology. In Engineering Physics you’ll look at rotational dynamics, thermodynamics and engines. Physics A-level is highly regarded by leading universities as a subject that develops clear, analytical thinking. It’s a must if you’re considering a degree in Physics, Engineering or other Physics-dependent courses and is also a good foundation for other science routes. A degree in Physics goes on to open up an unrivalled range of career options, from manufacturing to health services, and finance to the computer games industry. Research shows that Physics graduates can expect to earn more on average than the graduates of most other disciplines.
If you're an existing student, entry to the Sixth Form is conditional on you achieving a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 6. You don't have to complete an application form. You’ll need at least a grade 7 in GCSE Physics and Mathematics, together with our general entry requirements. If you’re considering going on to study Physics or Engineering at university, you’ll need to take A-level Mathematics too.
How you’ll be assessed You’ll take three written exams at the end of Year 13. These will be a mixture of multiple-choice, short and long-answer questions. There’s no coursework but some of the exam questions will test your practical skills including graph work, data handling and error analysis. You’ll also complete the 12 ‘required practicals’ during the course.