A level Physics
Key Information
What you’ll study
Entry Requirements
Assessment Information
| Qualification | International AS Physics, International A level Physics |
| Exam board | Edexcel |
| Exams available | January, June and October |
Online school, full time or individual courses
| Course length | 1 year AS Physics, then 1 year A level Physics |
| Weekly study time | 2 x 45-minute live lessons, 5 x 45-minute self-study lessons, 1 x 45-minute teacher-marked homework |
| Class size | Maximum 10 |
| Course start | September |
Individual Tutoring
| Recommended | Approximately 100 x 45-minute individual tutoring lessons, 260 x 45-minute self-study lessons, 50 x 45-minute teacher-marked homework. Pace and level of commitment determined by individual needs. |
| Course start | Flexible |
AS Level
Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials
- Mechanics
- Materials
Unit 2: Waves and Electricity
- Waves and Particle Nature of Light
- Electric Circuits
Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I
- Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 1 and 2
A2 Level
Unit 4: Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles
- Further Mechanics
- Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology
- Thermodynamics
- Nuclear Decay
- Oscillations
- Astrophysics and Cosmology
Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II
- Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 4 and 5
For more information take a look at the Edexcel International Physics A level Specification: click here
Either
- A pass in the Highgrove Online School admissions test for Physics A level
Or
- A minimum grade 7 in GCSE Maths and either Double Science or Physics, and a strong set of GCSE grades, including several at grade 7 or above.
Year 12 International AS
| 3 Exams | |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mechanics and Materials (90 minutes). 40% of the total of AS, 20% of the total of A level |
| Paper 2 | Waves and Electricity (90 minutes). 40% of the total of AS, 20% of the total of A level |
| Paper 3 | Practical Skills in Physics I (80 minutes). 20% of the total of AS, 10% of the total of A level |
Year 13 International A level
| 3 Exams | |
|---|---|
| Paper 4 | Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles (105 minutes). 20% of the total of A level. |
| Paper 5 | Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology (105 minutes). 20% of the total of A level. |
| Paper 6 | Practical Skills in Physics II (80 minutes). 10% of the total of A level. |
Progression to University
A Physics A level is essential for a wide array of university courses, including physics, astrophysics, engineering (electrical, mechanical, aerospace), computer science, mathematics, and natural sciences. It’s often a prerequisite for pursuing degrees in physics-related fields and opens doors to careers in research, technology, and industries like aerospace, telecommunications, and energy. Additionally, a Physics A level is valuable for courses in architecture, environmental science, and geophysics, as it equips students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Whether aiming to become a physicist, engineer, data scientist, or researcher, a Physics A level provides a solid foundation for diverse academic and professional pathways in the sciences.
Pupils taking Physics at A level are recommended to take Mathematics as an accompanying A level, as this will support them with the mathematical elements of the course.
We also offer the following A levels
Our core A level subjects are taught in group classes via a combination of interactive self-study lessons and live lessons led by an expert teacher:
We have an even wider selection of A levels available via our independent learning and tutoring programmes, including: