Physics

Assessment

Some topics are new, such as quantum physics, particle accelerators, and cosmology. Studying these areas is challenging yet immensely rewarding. It also gives us an excuse to visit world-leading facilities, such as CERN in Geneva, an experimental fusion reactor near Oxford, and also to observe the Northern Lights, possibly the greatest natural light show on the planet. For the AQA qualification students will sit three papers, each worth approximately a third of the final mark. Topics assessed include electricity, particles and radiation, waves, and mechanics - the last of which has much in common with Maths. Students are encouraged to take Mathematics A Level with Physics though it is not essential. However, anyone planning to study Science and Engineering beyond A Level will usually find it a prerequisite. The full A Level will contain the above material plus nuclear physics, further mechanics, thermal and astrophysics. The assessment model will comprise two papers, each worth 34% and 2 hours long covering specific topics. The final 32% is assessed in a two-hour synoptic paper, all the skills and techniques developed throughout the A Level Physics course are brought to bear as we delve deeper into practical skills and data analysis. Astrophysics is the option offered at KGS and this will be assessed through short- and long-answer questions within the synoptic paper.