Following a recent change of syllabus both the AS and A2 courses
now follow the new AQA Physics B Specification. There is now a
logical progression from the AQA GCSE Physics course.
The whole emphasis and ethos of this new specification is upon
physics contexts and applications. The approach is to consider a
variety of situations in Sports Science, Earth Science, Engineering
and Medicine. This is not to relegate the importance of great
discoveries like quantum mechanics or relativity but rather to
investigate how these revolutionary ideas can be adapted to sustain
new technologies. The physics required to master such disciplines
is studied and explored.
The dictum of "how science works" is embedded into the
specification and promotes the development of higher order thinking
skills. The hope is that the choice of topics and the accent upon
the scientific method of problem solving will inspire and equip
students for the challenges of the 21st century. There is little
contention amongst employers or academia that physics provides one
of the very best foundations for any student, whether entering the
world of work or embarking on higher academic achievements.
While creating the "B" Specification the developers started from
a clean slate and considered the various merits of all the other
courses currently available. The intention was to produce an
inspirational yet challenging body of study. Internally assessed
coursework plays a central role at both AS and A2 Level. It follows
a similar format to that already familiar to most students and
involves ISA type examinations like those at GCSE but at the
appropriate level. Students are expected to carry out a number of
classroom practical assignments either singly or in pairs in order
to gain the experience and skill acquisition required for success
in the ISA assessments.
At AS level topics covered include:
- modern techniques of communication
- from fundamental particles to the structure of the
Universe
- how forces and motion underpin everyday activities such as
transport and activities such as record breaking in sport
- energy demands and the effect this has on the fate of the
planet and future generations
At A2 level topics covered include:
- how physics is used to send probes and astronauts into
space
- energy and momentum conservation in relation to theme park
rides
- investigating the invisible; searching for new mineral
resources and buried remains
- macroscopic quantities such as temperature and pressure;
molecular model of matter
- the structure of matter; high energy particles; electric and
magnetic fields
- the generation of energy; nuclear materials; spontaneous and
stimulated nuclear decay; nuclear fusion; radioactivity