Students who choose to study Physics at Key Stage 5 follow the Edexcel Physics A level course.

“There is a reason for everything” and that reason is usually Physics. Physics at Marlborough is delivered by Physics A level specialists, with a wealth of experience. We are a well-resourced Science Faculty with a passionate staff who strive to make Physics come alive!

Many of the areas of study extend from the Physics component of the GCSE science course and include:

• Mechanics
• Electricity
• Waves
• Fields
• Astrophysics
• Practical investigations

Assessment is by three examinations at the end of the two-year course and a practical endorsement which, if awarded, will be reported as a ‘Pass’ on A level certificates: 

Paper 1 – Advanced Physics I, a 1 hour 45 minute examination worth 30% of the final grade covering questions on the following topics:

• Concept Approach: Working as a Physicist, Mechanics, Electric Circuits, Further Mechanics, Electric and Mangnetic Fields, Nuclear and Particle Physics.
• Salters Horners approach: Working as a Physicist, Higher, Faster, Stronger (HFS), Technology in Space (SPC) (except items 70 and 92-95), Digging up the Past (DIG) (except items 83–87), Transport on Track (TRA), The Medium is the Message (MDM), Probing the Heart of Matter (PRO). 

Paper 2 – Advanced Physics II, a 1 hour 45 minute examination worth 30% of the final grade covering questions on the following topics:

• Concept Approach: Working as a Physicist, Materials, Waves and Particle Nature of Light, Thermodynamics, Space, Nuclear Radiation, Gravitational Fields, Oscillations. 
• Salters Horners Approach: Working as a Physicist, The Sound of Music (MUS), Good Enough to Eat (EAT), Technology in Space (SPC) (only items 70 and 92–95), Digging up the Past (DIG) (only items 83-87), Spare-Part Surgery (SUR), Build or Bust? (BLD), Reach for the Stars (STA). 

Paper 3 – General and Practical Principles in Physics, a 2 hour 30 minute examination worth 40% of the final grade covering questions drawing on any of the topics from the course.

Practical Endorsement:

• Students’ skills and technical competency when completing practical work will be assessed by teachers and this will form the basis for the award of a Practical Endorsement at A level. This is separate to the A level grade and, if awarded, will be reported as a ‘Pass’ on A level certificates for students who achieve it.

The problem-solving nature of Physics and the application of theory make this course an extremely useful foundation for further study and careers in the following areas: Aeronautics, Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Forensic Science and many others.

Click here to return to the Key Stage 5 Science page.