Why Study Physics?

If you are already interested in the physics topics in your science studies at GCSE then do consider studying physics.

If you would like to know more about fundamental ideas such as quantum mechanics, relativity and cosmology, then physics may be for you.

If you are good at maths and if you find mathematical solutions to problems satisfying, then studying AS and A2 physics is worth serious consideration.

Careers

A physics qualification is essential for many future careers in science and engineering.

It can also help you make progress in other fields that value the demanding skills developed through physics.

Many accountants, bankers and business managers have benefited from studying physics, as well as astronomers, radiographers, laser technologists, semiconductor technologists, RAF flight systems technicians, meteorologists, scientific journalists, product marketing engineers and civil engineers!

Our solar system and its place in the Universe are studied in A2 Physics.

Many comets may be remnants of the dense molecular cloud from which our Solar System formed.

Comet Hale-Bopp will not return for another 10000 years.

Photo: Comet Hale-Bopp as seen over Hinchingbrooke House in March 1997.

At Hinchingbrooke we follow the ...

Advancing Physics AS and A2 courses

These are brand new courses developed by the Institute of Physics with support from industry and higher education. Practical work in the laboratory has a key role in both courses.

As well as a student textbook, resources include a student CD-ROM and the Advancing Physics web site http://advancingphysics.iop.org , both encouraging electronic management of your learning.

Visit the web site now to find out more! Also try http://physicsweb.org/ for global news and articles from the latest issue of the Institute of Physics journal, Physics World.

One of the pages, http://physicsweb.org/article/world/12/10/7 features the Advancing Physics course.

For general physics interest go to http://www.physlink.com/

Assessment

The Year 1 AS course is assessed with modular written exams (80%) and coursework (20%). The work involves study of digital imaging in medicine, human perception, digital communications, designer materials, wave and quantum behaviour, photons, space and time.

The Year 2 A2 Course is also assessed with modular written exams (80%) and coursework (20%). Gravitational field, the expanding Universe, liquid nitrogen, plasmas, electromagnetic machines, electric and magnetic fields, fundamental particles, ionising radiation and radioactive tracers are amongst the areas studied.

Entry Requirements

for the AS Physics course:

You will need

   at least a B in Core and a B in Additional Science

   at least BBB in Triple Science and

   you will at least Grade B at GCSE in Mathematics.