A-Level Physics
Mechanics, Electricity, Waves, Fields, Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics — with full on-site laboratory practical sessions. 3 sessions × 2 hours per week.
A-Level Physics
A-Level Physics is one of the most intellectually demanding and rewarding subjects available at sixth-form level. It combines rigorous mathematical analysis with deep conceptual understanding and hands-on practical work. At The Astute College, our full-time programme is taught by a PhD-qualified physicist who brings genuine subject expertise to every session.
Students receive 3 sessions of 2 hours per week — 6 contact hours every week — covering the full A-Level specification across Year 12 and Year 13. Laboratory practical sessions are carried out in our fully equipped on-site science laboratory, giving students hands-on experience and supporting the Practical Endorsement.
3
Sessions per week
2 hrs
Per session
6 hrs
Contact time per week
12+
Required practicals on-site
Weekly Lesson Schedule
Theory & Concepts
New physics theory is introduced through clear explanation, diagrams and demonstrations. Mathematical derivations are worked through step by step, with students practicing calculations under tutor guidance.
Laboratory Practical (fortnightly) or Problem Solving
Alternating between on-site laboratory practical sessions (carrying out required practicals with full write-up) and exam-style problem solving tackling multi-step calculation questions.
Mixed Practice & Exam Technique
Cross-topic questions connecting mechanics, electricity, waves and fields as they appear in the real A-Level exams. Extended answer and evaluation questions practiced regularly.
Laboratory Practicals
All required practicals are carried out in our fully equipped on-site laboratory, essential for the Practical Endorsement.
Investigating Newton's Second Law
Determination of g by Free Fall
Hooke's Law & Young's Modulus
Speed of Sound in Air
Wave Interference & Diffraction
I-V Characteristics
Resistivity of a Wire
Capacitor Charge & Discharge
Simple Harmonic Motion
Circular Motion
Radioactive Decay Simulation
Investigating Magnetic Fields
Year 12 — AS Level Content
Sept–June, 3×2hrs/weekMechanics
- Scalars and vectors — addition and resolution
- Kinematics: SUVAT equations and projectile motion
- Newton's three laws of motion
- Momentum and impulse — conservation laws
- Work, energy and power
- Conservation of energy
Materials
- Density and pressure
- Hooke's Law and the spring constant
- Stress, strain and Young's Modulus
- Elastic and plastic deformation
- Brittle, ductile and polymeric materials
Waves
- Wave properties: frequency, wavelength, amplitude, speed
- Transverse and longitudinal waves
- Superposition, interference and stationary waves
- Refraction, diffraction and polarisation
- The electromagnetic spectrum
Electricity
- Charge, current, potential difference and resistance
- Ohm's Law and I-V characteristics
- Resistivity and factors affecting resistance
- Series and parallel circuits
- EMF, internal resistance and power
- Potential dividers
Quantum Phenomena
- The photoelectric effect and photon model
- Planck's equation: E = hf
- Wave-particle duality — de Broglie wavelength
- Energy levels and atomic line spectra
- Electron diffraction evidence
Year 13 — A2 Level Content
Further Mechanics
- Circular motion: centripetal force and acceleration
- Simple harmonic motion (SHM): equations and graphs
- Resonance and damping
- Free and forced oscillations
Gravitational Fields
- Newton's Law of Gravitation
- Gravitational field strength and potential
- Orbital motion and Kepler's laws
- Escape velocity and satellites
Electric & Magnetic Fields
- Coulomb's Law and electric field strength
- Electric potential and capacitors
- Magnetic flux density and force on conductors
- Electromagnetic induction: Faraday's and Lenz's Laws
- Alternating current and transformers
Nuclear Physics
- Radioactive decay: alpha, beta and gamma
- Half-life and exponential decay law
- Nuclear stability and binding energy
- Mass-energy equivalence: E = mc²
- Fission and fusion reactions
- Medical uses of radiation
Thermal Physics
- Temperature scales and internal energy
- Specific heat capacity and latent heat
- Ideal gas laws: Boyle's, Charles', Pressure Law
- The ideal gas equation: pV = nRT
- Molecular kinetic theory model
Astrophysics (Optional)
- Telescopes: refracting, reflecting, radio
- Stars: luminosity, Stefan's Law, Wien's Law
- Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and stellar evolution
- Hubble's Law and the expanding universe
- Big Bang theory and cosmic microwave background
Exam Preparation
Weekly Past Paper Questions
Exam-style questions from AQA, OCR and Edexcel tackled every week, building familiarity and confidence across all question types.
Practical Endorsement Support
All required practicals completed on-site with full write-ups. Students develop the skills to achieve a Pass in the Practical Endorsement.
Termly Mock Exams
Full timed mock papers at the end of each term with detailed written feedback and grade tracking toward university targets.
Uncertainty & Data Analysis
Dedicated sessions on uncertainty calculations, data analysis and graph interpretation — skills that appear throughout the A-Level papers.
Careers
Engineering
Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Aerospace Engineering all depend on A-Level Physics as a foundation and often as a mandatory entry requirement.
Physics & Astrophysics
For students passionate about understanding the universe, A-Level Physics is the essential first step toward a degree in Physics or Astrophysics.
Medicine & Medical Physics
Medical schools value Physics for its mathematical rigour. Medical Physics, Radiography and Biomedical Engineering all require Physics at A-Level.
Computing & Electronics
Computer hardware, electronics, robotics and telecommunications all draw on the principles covered in A-Level Physics.
Architecture
Structural analysis, acoustics, light and materials science all rely on physical principles studied at A-Level.
Finance & Data Science
Physics graduates are highly sought after in quantitative finance and data science for their analytical and mathematical problem-solving skills.
Enrol on A-Level Physics
Get in touch to check availability and secure your place.
