Course Details

The course is due to change in 2008.  The new course content is not finalised but the material covered will be similar to that at present.

Units presently covered at AS

1.Mechanics and Nuclear Physics

Studies the fundamentals of newtonian mechanics and many of basic concepts that underpin the human understanding of the scientific world.  The nuclear physics section examines basic nuclear decay, and the experiments and thinking that led to concept of the nuclear atom.

2.Electricity and Thermal Physics

The understanding of electricity is vital in the 21st Century and this unit gives an understanding of the basic concepts that govern electric circuits. The thermal physics section examines the first law of thermodynmatics and how it is applied in many practical situations.

3.Optional Topic

At Wolgarston it has been usual for students to study the Astro Physics options which studies the birth and death of stars and their appearance in the universe.  The particle physics and medical physics options have also been offered although this usually involves a fair amount of individual research by students choosing these options.

4.The Practical Assessment

The course is very practically orientated  and students are examined on their practical skills at the end of year 12. 

Units presently covered at A2

 1.Waves and our Universe

Much of this unit looks at the seemingly contradictary ideas of light as a wave motion and light as a particle.  Simple Harmonic Motion is also studied along with the ‘Big Bang’ and theory of the expanding universe.

2.Fields and Forces

Two of the four fundamental forces, gravitational and electrostatics are examined in this unit.  Magnetic fields are also looked at along with important electromagnetic effects.

3.Practical Test

Practical skills are again examined at the end of year 13, along with the graphical interpretation of supplied data. 

4.Synoptic Test

This test examines many concepts from the whole of the course, as well as from a unit based mainly on particle acceleration.

Coursework Details 

There will be an important coursework element in the new course.

GCSE entry requirement

Students are generally expected to have achieved at least a grade B at GCSE or above in Mathematics (higher tier)

Grade B or above in Science at both Core (Y10) and Additional (Y11).  Advised to do AS/A2 level Mathematics but not essential.

Units presently covered at A2

1.Waves and our Universe

Much of this unit looks at the seemingly contradictary ideas of light as a wave motion and light as a particle.  Simple Harmonic Motion is also studied along with the ‘Big Bang’ and theory of the expanding universe.

2.Fields and Forces

Two of the four fundamental forces, gravitational and electrostatics are examined in this unit.  Magnetic fields are also looked at along with important electromagnetic effects.

3.Practical Test

Practical skills are again examined at the end of year 13, along with the graphical interpretation of supplied data.

4.Synoptic Test

This test examines many concepts from the whole of the course, as well as from a unit based mainly on particle acceleration. 

Coursework Details 

There will be an important coursework element in the new course. 

GCSE entry requirement 

Students are generally expected to have achieved at least a grade B at GCSE or above in Mathematics (higher tier)

Grade B or above in Science at both Core (Y10) and Additional (Y11).  Advised to do AS/A2 level Mathematics but not essential.