What Will Students Learn?
AS Stage (Year 12) - Physical Foundations
Core topics include mechanics (motion, forces, energy, work), waves and optics, electricity, properties of materials and thermal physics. Students explore how physical laws govern everyday phenomena. Practical laboratory work introduces measurement, data collection, uncertainty, and controlled experiment methodology.
Full A-Level (Year 13) - Advanced Physics
Advanced topics such as electromagnetism, fields (electric, magnetic, gravitational), quantum physics and nuclear physics, astrophysics and cosmology foundations, and advanced wave behaviour. Students examine modern applications of physics - from energy systems, particle physics, electronics, to astrophysical concepts - and learn to model complex systems mathematically and conceptually.
Skills & Understanding Developed
- High-level scientific literacy and mathematical modelling competence
- Strong problem-solving and analytical reasoning skills
- Proficiency in quantitative calculations, algebraic and calculus-based manipulation
- Interpreting graphs and data, and applying physics concepts to real-world problems
- Technical competence, precision, critical thinking, and resilience
- Scientific method, hypothesis testing, evaluation of evidence and responsible scientific judgement
Examination Structure
The full IAL Physics qualification is assessed via six externally examined units.
| Unit | Title / Content Focus |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Mechanics, Materials and Thermal Physics - fundamental physics concepts, waves, energy, properties of matter |
| Unit 2 | Electricity and Waves - circuits, electromagnetism basics, wave theory and light |
| Unit 3 | Experimental and Practical Physics - practical skills, data analysis, measurement, lab techniques |
| Unit 4 | Fields, Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics - advanced topics: fields, particles, quantum behaviour, nuclear phenomena |
| Unit 5 | Astrophysics and Cosmology / Further Physics Applications - modern physics, astrophysical theory, advanced modelling |
| Unit 6 | Further Practical and Investigative Skills - experimental design, practical data work, evaluation, scientific report writing |
All six units must be completed for the full A-Level qualification.
Higher Education & Career Pathways
- Engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, materials)
- Physics, Astrophysics, Space Science, Environmental Physics
- Computer Science, Robotics, Electronics, Data Science
- Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Healthcare-related science degrees
- Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Geophysics, Material Science
- Research, Innovation, Scientific Development, Academia, Applied Sciences
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