The A Level course is taught by two specialist teachers. 

The AQA Physics syllabus is taught. This course includes both traditional and contemporary topics and is designed to give a smooth transition from GCSE.

They will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics and gain hands-on practical and data analysis skills. The course also allows pupils to see the links between the other science subjects and beyond the laboratory. 

The course is assessed by carrying out core practical work in lessons and a terminal examination, which tests knowledge, understanding and application of both theory and practical work.

There is also a separate practical competency part to the course, which will be assessed throughout the two years through a series of core practicals. Each student will receive an assessment separately to their A Level grade.

The specification details can be accessed on the AQA website using the course ref code.
- Physics A level (7408)

Assessment objectives (Assessment objectives are set by Ofqual and are the same across all A level Physics specifications and all exam boards.)
The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.

• AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
   • in a theoretical context
   • in a practical context
   • when handling qualitative data
   • when handling quantitative data.

• AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues to:
   • make judgements and reach conclusions
   • develop and refine practical design and procedures.

Assessment objectives (AOs) Component weightings

	A2(%)
AO1	33
AO2	42
AO3	25

40% of the overall assessment of A Level Physics will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above.
At least 15% of the overall assessment A level Physics will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.

Subject content
Core content

1  Measurements and their errors
2  Particles and radiation
3  Waves
4  Mechanics and materials
5  Electricity
6  Further mechanics and thermal physics 
7  Fields and their consequences
8  Nuclear physics 

Optional Topic

10 Medical physics

 A level Assessments

Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 2
What's assessed Sections 1 - 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion)	What's assessed Sections 6.2  (Thermal Physics), 7 & 8 Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1	What's assessed Section A: Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis Section B: Students enter for one of the sections 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13
Assessed ** written exam: 2 hrs ** 85 marks ** 34% of A level	Assessed ** written exam: 2 hrs ** 85 marks ** 34% of A level	Assessed ** written exam: 2 hrs ** 80 marks ** 32% of A level
Questions 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content	Questions 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content	Questions 45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis. 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic