Online A Level Physics

The course will follow the current AQA A Level specifications.

The course will be based on the textbooks recommended for AQA A Levels.

The AS exam is not recommended; we prepare our students for full A Level exams only (AS and A2 combined).

Candidates for AQA AS Level Physics study the following topics:

AQA AS Phys 7407

• 1 Matter and radiation
  1.1 Inside the atom
  1.2 Stable and unstable nuclei
  1.3 Photons
  1.4 Particles and antiparticles
  1.5 Particle interactions
• 2 Quarks and leptons
  2.1 The particle zoo
  2.2 Particle sorting
  2.3 Leptons at work
  2.4 Quarks and antiquarks
  2.5 Conservation rules
• 3 Quantum phenomena
  3.1 The photoelectric effect
  3.2 More about photoelectricity
  3.3 Collisions of electrons with atoms
  3.4 Energy levels in atoms
  3.5 Energy levels and spectra
  3.6 Wave-particle duality
• 4 Waves
  4.1 Waves and vibrations
  4.2 Measuring waves
  4.3 Wave properties 1
  4.4 Wave properties 2
  4.5 Stationary and progressive waves
  4.6 More about stationary waves on strings
  4.7 Using an oscilloscope
• 5 Optics
  5.1 Refraction of light
  5.2 More about refraction
  5.3 Total internal reflection
  5.4 Double slit interference
  5.5 More about interference
  5.6 Diffraction
  5.7 The diffraction grating
• 6 Forces in equilibrium
  6.1 Vectors and scalars
  6.2 Balanced forces
  6.3 The principle of moments
  6.4 More on moments
  6.5 Stability
  6.6 Equilibrium rules
  6.7 Statics calculations
• 7 On the move
  7.1 Speed and velocity
  7.2 Acceleration
  7.3 Motion along a straight line at constant acceleration
  7.4 Free fall
  7.5 Motion graphs
  7.6 More calculations on motion along a straight line
  7.7 Projectile motion 1
  7.8 Projectile motion 2
• 8 Newton’s laws of motion
  8.1 Force and acceleration
  8.2 Using F = ma
  8.3 Terminal speed
  8.4 On the road
  8.5 Vehicle safety
• 9 Force and momentum
  9.1 Momentum and impulse
  9.2 Impact forces
  9.3 Conservation of momentum
  9.4 Elastic and inelastic collisions
  9.5 Explosions
• 10 Work, energy, and power
  10.1 Work and energy
  10.2 Kinetic energy and potential energy
  10.3 Power
  10.4 Energy and efficiency
• 11 Materials
  11.1 Density
  11.2 Springs
  11.3 Deformation of solids
  11.4 More about stress and strain
• 12 Electric current
  12.1 Current and charge
  12.2 Potential difference and power
  12.3 Resistance
  12.4 Components and their characteristics
• 13 Direct current circuits
  13.1 Circuit rules
  13.2 More about resistance
  13.3 Electromotive force and internal resistance
  13.4 More circuit calculations
  13.5 The potential divider

Candidates for AQA A Level Physics study the AS Level topics, including some topics in further detail, and additionally study the following topics:

AQA A2 Physics 7408

• 17 Motion in a circle
  17.1 Uniform circular motion
  17.2 Centripetal acceleration
  17.3 On the road
  17.4 At the fairground
• 18 Simple harmonic motion
  18.1 Oscillations
  18.2 The principles of simple harmonic motion
  18.3 More about sine waves
  18.4 Applications of simple harmonic motion
  18.5 Energy and simple harmonic motion
  18.6 Forced oscillations and resonance
• 19 Thermal Physics
  19.1 Internal energy and temperature
  19.2 Specific heat capacity
  19.3 Change of state
• 20 Gases
  20.1 The experimental gas laws
  20.2 The ideal gas law
  20.3 The kinetic theory
• 21 Gravitational fields
  21.1 Gravitational field strength
  21.2 Gravitational potential
  21.3 Newton’s law of gravitation
  21.4 Planetary fields
  21.5 Satellite motion
• 22 Electric fields
  22.1 Field patterns
  22.2 Electric field strength
  22.3 Electric potential
  22.4 Coulomb’s
  22.5 Point charges
  22.6 Comparison between electric and gravitational fields
• 23 Capacitors
  23.1 Capacitance
  23.2 Energy stored in a charged capacitor
  23.3 Charging and discharging a capacitor through a fixed resistor
  23.4 Dielectrics
• 24 Magnetic fields
  24.1 Current-caring conductors in a magnetic field
  24.2 Moving charges in a magnetic field
  24.3 Charged particles in circular orbits
• 25 Electromagnetic induction
  25.1 Generating electricity
  25.2 The laws of electromagnetic induction
  25.3 The alternating current generator
  25.4 Alternating current and power
  25.5 Transformers
  
• 26 Radioactivity
  26.1 The discovery of the nucleus
  26.2 The properties of a, band y radiation
  26.3 More about a, band y radiation
  26.4 The dangers of radioactivity
  26.5 Radioactive decay
  26.6 The theory of radioactive decay
  26.7 Radioactive isotopes in use
  26.8 More about decay modes
  26.9 Nuclear radius
• 27 Nuclear energy
  27.1 Energy and mass
  27.2 Binding energy
  27.3 Fission and fusion
  27.4 The thermal nuclear reactor
• 28 Astrophysics
  28.1 Telescopes
  28.2 Surveying the stars
  28.3 Cosmology

All candidates study practical skills.

AQA science A Levels do not require a science practical endorsement to pass (all grades A*-G are achievable without a practical examination). However, students are advised to check with their intended university whether a science practical endorsement is required. If so the science practical endorsement can be taken later, even after students have passed and left the A Level course.

• Recommended (but not compulsory) textbook:
  AQA Physics A Level Student Book by Jim Breithaupt 2015
• Recommended worksheets: https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/physics-revision/a-level-aqa/

It is the parents’ responsibility to arrange their child’s examinations; our teachers will provide all the support required. Most students will sit their examination papers at a school or college who accept private candidates. Some students sit their examinations at private examination centres.

Unlike the Cambridge examination board, the AQA examination board has few examination centres outside of the UK, and so it is likely that students will sit their science A Level examinations at a UK examination centre. As CHS students are applying to top UK universities, travel to the UK will be required.

Separate Science Practical Endorsement (Optional)

AQA science A Levels do not require a science practical endorsement to pass (all grades A*-G are achievable without a practical examination). However, students who wish to study sciences at degree level are advised to check with their intended university whether a science practical endorsement is required. If so, a separate science practical endorsement examination can be taken later, even after students have passed and left their CHS A Level course. Students should check with their local examination centre to see if they offer science practical preparation and examinations. While separate Practical Endorsement preparation and examination courses (typically 1 week duration) are readily available in the UK, they may not be available internationally. International students do have the option of sitting examinations and the practical endorsement in the UK. Preparation for this additional practical endorsement will be carried out by your appointed examination centre and not by the school.

“The conducting of experiments is potentially dangerous and must be supervised by an adult. Cambridge Home School and its teachers do not demand that pupils conduct experiments. Parents and pupils must make the decision whether or not to conduct experiments / dangerous activities and must therefore accept responsibility for any outcomes. Cambridge Home School does not accept responsibility for experiments or any other dangerous activity conducted at the homes of its pupils or in any other place.”

If you are intending to study A Level Physics after IGCSE, we recommend that you spend some time in the summer holidays preparing. Here are some suggested activities:

Movies to watch:

The Theory of Everything (2014) – a biographical drama about the life and work of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking.

Interstellar (2014) – a science fiction film that explores the concept of time dilation, black holes, and the relationship between gravity and time.

The Imitation Game (2014) – a historical drama about the life of Alan Turing, a mathematician and computer scientist who played a pivotal role in cracking Nazi Germany’s Enigma code during World War II.

Hidden Figures (2016) – a biographical drama about the contributions of three African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the space race.

The Martian (2015) – a science fiction film about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his efforts to survive and make contact with Earth.

Contact (1997) – a science fiction film based on a novel by Carl Sagan, which explores the themes of extra-terrestrial life, interstellar travel, and the search for meaning in the universe.

Read:

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams – this comedic science fiction novel follows the adventures of an unwitting human and his alien friend as they travel through space, encountering all sorts of strange and wacky phenomena.

The Martian by Andy Weir – this novel tells the story of an astronaut who becomes stranded on Mars and must use his scientific knowledge and ingenuity to survive.

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton – while this novel is primarily about genetically-engineered dinosaurs running amok, it also explores the science behind genetic engineering and chaos theory.

The Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku – this non-fiction book explores the scientific principles behind concepts like time travel, teleportation, and telekinesis, and explains what makes them currently impossible or potentially feasible in the future.

What is the aim of the A Level Physics online course?

The online A Level Physics course is designed to expand upon GCSE/IGCSE Physics and to equip students with both a deep understanding of theoretical principles and advanced practical skills. This qualification is highly valued and prepares students for further studies at university.

How is homework managed in the Physics A Level online course?

Each week, sixth form students are expected to complete a minimum of one homework assignment for each subject they are studying. Moreover, students are advised to devote an hour to independent study for each hour of teaching to help ensure their success.

Can you describe the assessment procedure in the online Physics A Level?

The course involves Level 5 internal assessments in June and Level 6 mock assessments in November and March. Reports, which include grades for both effort and attainment as well as written comments from Success Coaches and the Head Teacher, are issued at different times during the academic year.

How can parents stay involved in their child’s Physics A Level online course?

Parents can utilise a family Teams account to maintain open communication with the teachers. This facility allows for more detailed tracking of student performance compared to what can be gathered from an annual parent consultation evening.

What should students know about exams in the Physics A Level online course?

Although AQA science A Levels do not necessitate a practical endorsement for passing the course, students are advised to confirm with their intended university if such an endorsement is required. If needed, the practical endorsement can be taken at a later date, even after completion of the A Level course.