Edexcel

Advanced

Physics

Welcome to A – level Physics

Are we all sitting comfortably?

600 mph!

67,000 mph!

490,000 mph!

A Physics course with the emphasis on

‘real Physics’, teaching the subject through a series of real life applications.

Higher, Faster, Stronger

• Newtonian dynamics

• Projectile motion

• Work and power in

weightlifting

• Forces in rock climbing

• Bungee jumping (including

practical work!)

Technology in Space

• Solar Cells – including wave

particle duality

• Why do power supplies get

hot?

• Technology to 3D map moons

and planets from space

The Sound of Music

• The study of music and

recorded sound

• Operation of a CD player

• Travelling + Standing

waves

• Wave and photon

models of light

Full A – level course

• Higher, Faster, Stronger –Sport

• Technology in Space –Satellite electrical systems

• Good Enough to Eat –The food industry

• The Sound of Music –Playing and recording music

• Spare Part Surgery –Prosthetics

• Digging Up the Past –Archaeology

• Transport on Track –The rail network

• The Medium is the Message –Communication systems on planes

• Probing the Heart of Matter –Particle accelerators

• Build or Bust – Earthquake proofing buildings

• Reach for the Stars –Astronomy and Stellar Physics

A level physics

• Practical work– No coursework– 16 Core practicals added to the course (8 in Yr 12 units

and 8 in yr 13 units)

• Exams– 3 Exams for the full A level– All exams must have a minimum of 40% maths which

must be of at least level 2 standard (H tier maths paper)– Each paper will become gradually more challenging –

demand each year should be similar

A level physics

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3

1h 45 mins –90 marks

1h 45 mins –90 marks

2h 30 mins –120 marks

30% of Alevel

30% of A level

40% of A level

Topics 5,6,7 and topics 1&2

Topics 8,9,10,11,12 and topics 3&4

All topics and half paper will be practical

Assessment criteria

Percentage of paper

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

35-40%

AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

40-45%

AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas & evidence, including: making judgements and reaching conclusions, developing and refining practical design and procedures

20-25%

A level ResultsYear A* A B C D E U STUDENTS

2017 3 4 2 1 2 0 0 12

2016 2 5 3 8 5 0 0 23

2015 3 5 10 3 0 3 1 25

2014 7 7 5 2 1 2 24

2013 4 8 2 5 3 0 0 22

2012 1 7 6 4 0 3 0 21

2011 3 3 1 2 2 0 11

2010 1 7 2 0 0 1 0 11

What you need to put in…

• A solid background (In both

science and maths)

• A readiness to open your mind

to new ideas

• Be prepared to ask for help

• Attention to detail

• …

• Hard work!

What you will get out…

• A qualification that will be

highly regarded and is highly

versatile

• Support and stretching

• An understanding of how the

world around you works

• Ideas and skills that you can

carry with you throughout your

life