Course Content
- Component 1: Measurements and their errors
- Component 2: Particles and radiation
- Component 3: Waves
- Component 4: Mechanics and materials
- Component 5: Electricity
- Component 6: Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Component 7: Fields and their consequences
- Component 8: Nuclear physics
- Component 9: One of 5 optional units from –
- Astrophysics
- Medical Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Turning Points in Physics
- Electronics
| Component | Assessment | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-6 | Written exam | 2h | 34% |
| 6-8 | Written exam | 2h | 34% |
| 9 + Practical Skills | Written exam | 2h | 32% |
| Common Practical Assessment | Ongoing – teacher assessed | Separate Practical endorsement Certification |
Year 12
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Electricity and Particle physics and quantum phenomena
Core Knowledge
- They will understand the role of water and mineral ions in Biological processes,
- Electric current, potential difference and resistance
- • Energy transfer in circuits
- • Components and their characteristics
- • Matter and radiation
- • Photoelectric effect
- • Energy levels in atoms and spectra
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Electricity and Particle physics and quantum phenomena
Core Knowledge
- Electric circuit rules
- • Emf and internal resistance
- • Potential divider circuits
- • Alternating current and the CRO
- • Further quantum phenomena
- • Wave-particle duality
- • Quarks and leptons
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Forces and motion and Materials and waves
Core Knowledge
- Vectors and scalars
- Equilibria problems, moments and stability
- Newton’s equations of motion and projectile Motion
- Density, deformation of materials
- Stress, strain and the Young modulus
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Forces and motion and Materials and waves
Core Knowledge
- Vectors and scalars
- Equilibria problems, moments and stability
- Newton’s equations of motion and projectile
- motion
- Density, deformation of materials
- Stress, strain and the Young modulus
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- Forces and motion and Materials and waves
Core Knowledge
- Further mechanics of Newton’s laws of motion
- Work energy and power
- Impulse and momentum
- Wave properties
- Stationary and progressive waves
- Optics
- Diffraction, interference and gratings
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- Complete work on materials, mechanics and waves
Core Knowledge
- Begin work on further mechanics
- Circular motion
- Simple harmonic motion
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
- This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- This term is likely to include a formal full AS paper exam (or teacher determined alternative) – a synoptic assessment of all work covered for the year.
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Year 13
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Half Term 1 (Sept-Nov)
Focus and Topic
- Fields and Further Mechanics and
- Nuclear Physics
Core Knowledge
- Completion of circular motion and SHM
- Gravitational fields
- Nature of radial and uniform fields
- Gravitational potential
- Kepler’s laws and satellite motion
- Electric fields
- The discovery of the nucleus
- Nature of nuclear radiation and the inverse square law
- Theory of radioactive decay
- Nuclear radius and nuclear density
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 2 (Nov – Dec)
Focus and Topic
- Fields and Further Mechanics and
- Nuclear Physics
Core Knowledge
- Complete Electric fields
- Capacitors, capacitance and energy storage
- Discharge of a capacitor and the exponential function
- Energy and mass
- Binding energy, fission and fusion
- Nuclear reactors and dealing with waste
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work - Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 3 (Jan – Feb)
Focus and Topic
- Fields and Further Mechanics and Thermal physics
Core Knowledge
- Magnetic fields and charges moving in magnetic fields
- Electromagnetic induction & Lenz’s law
- Transformers
- Internal energy, temperature and specific heat capacity
- The experimental gas laws
- Kinetic theory of gases
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- This term is likely to include a formal mock exam in all subjects – refer to school exam schedule for further details.
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 4 (Feb – March)
Focus and Topic
- Component 1 Coursework Completion
- Component 2 Coursework & Exam Preparation
Core Knowledge
- Completing the work on generating electricity
- Discovery of the electron
- Wave-particle duality
- Special relativity
Core Skills
- CPAC requirements throughout – these are common to Biology Chemistry and Physics – each learner will work towards these in each subject studied. These skills are assessed throughout year 12 and 13
- 1. CPAC 1: Follows written procedures:
This competency involves correctly following instructions to carry out experimental techniques or procedures. - 2. CPAC 2: Applies investigative approaches and methods:
This competency focuses on the learner’s ability to apply investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment in practical work. - 3. CPAC 3: Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials:
This competency assesses the learner’s ability to safely use a range of practical equipment and materials in the lab or field. - 4. CPAC 4: Makes and records observations:
This competency involves making accurate observations relevant to the experimental procedure and recording them methodically using appropriate units and conventions. - 5. CPAC 5: Researches, references, and reports:
This competency requires learners to demonstrate research skills, including using appropriate software and tools to process data, carry out research, and report findings. To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
Assessment
- Research diaries.
- A3 portfolios.
- Practical activities selected.
Half Term 5 (April – May)
Focus and Topic
- All subjects – Preparation for final examinations
Core Knowledge
- Focussed revision and preparation for the final examination
Core Skills
- N/A
Assessment
- Knowledge and understanding – For all three subjects – There will be routine short recall tests throughout the topic. At the end of each unit students will be assessed using past paper questions.
- Checking for understanding will be ongoing in a variety of forms including text book and past paper questions and white board work
- Practical Endorsement (CPAC) for all three A level science subjects – To achieve a Pass in the practical endorsement, learners must consistently and routinely meet all the criteria outlined in the CPAC competencies. Evidence for meeting these criteria can be gathered from both the learner’s performance during practical activities and their contemporaneous records of the work they have undertaken
- Performance will be regularly reviewed and shared with the learner
Half Term 6 (May – July)
Focus and Topic
- All subjects – Preparation for final examinations
Core Knowledge
- Focused revision and preparation for the final examination
Core Skills
- N/A
Assessment
- N/A
Key Info
- Start Date: September 2026
- Awarding Body: AQA
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Length: 2 Years
Entry Requirements
TBC
Complementary Subjects
Career Opportunities
Physics is a key subject for many careers, including: Engineering, Computer science and working in the Energy Industry. In addition, physics students frequently enter careers that require a solid mathematical background such as: Banking, Finance and Accounting.