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Physics is the study of the world around us. In simple terms Physics explains how things happen. Why do things fall, speed up, slow down? Why do bulbs or LEDs light up? How do speakers make sounds? How does lightning happen? How does ultrasound see inside us? How does a mobile phone work? How do lenses help us see better? How do signals travel to us from space? How do the planets orbit the sun? How are stars formed? How do Nuclear Power Stations work? How do huge ships stay afloat? These and many other questions are answered by learning about the main branches of Physics including force and energy, materials and particles, radiation, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism, waves, thermal physics, space physics.
At GCSE level, Physics is either studied as separate subject or makes up a third of Combined Science. As a separate subject, Physics can be studied as Single Science and receive a full GCSE grade. In Combined Science, the extension topics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology are not taken and the exams in all three subjects lead to two GCSE grades, so it is sometimes referred to as Dual Award Science. If a student intends to study Physics at A level then it is best, though not essential, that they take Physics as a Single Science. The main awarding bodies are AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, Eduqas (part of WJEC) CCEA in Northern Ireland and SQA in Scotland. Assessment is through written exam papers, typically 2 x two hour papers or 3 x 90 minute papers. There is no separate practical assessment or coursework, but questions will be set based on the core practical activities the students will have carried out for themselves.
For entry into A-Level many schools would want to see a grade 7 or higher at GCSE, otherwise a student may struggle to do well at A-Level. At A-Level the concepts and ideas studied for GCSE are built upon and taken further, along with some applications of Physics which may include Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics and Electronics. A-Level Physics also involves a large amount of practical work.
Assessment is typically three written papers, each around two hours long. A-Level Physics can give access to a wide range of university courses and consequently related careers, such as Physics, Engineering, Astrophysics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Medicine, Biology, Chemistry, Sports Science and Pharmacy amongst others.
