What is Physics?

Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them, but what that really means is that Physics is about asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing and experimenting.

Physicists ask really big questions like:

  • How did the universe begin?
  • How will the universe change in the future?
  • How does the Sun keep on shining?
  • What are the basic building blocks of matter?

If you think these questions are fascinating, then you’ll like physics.

More on physics

Physics doesn’t just deal with theoretical concepts. It’s applied in every sphere of human activity, including:

  • Development of sustainable forms of energy production
  • Treating cancer, through radiotherapy, and diagnosing illness through various types of imaging, all based on physics.
  • Developing computer games
  • Design and manufacture of sports equipment
  • Understanding and predicting earthquakes

…in fact, pretty much every sector you can think of needs people with physics knowledge

More on physics

Physics doesn’t just deal with theoretical concepts. It’s applied in every sphere of human activity, including:

  • Development of sustainable forms of energy production
  • Treating cancer, through radiotherapy, and diagnosing illness through various types of imaging, all based on physics.
  • Developing computer games
  • Design and manufacture of sports equipment
  • Understanding and predicting earthquakes

…in fact, pretty much every sector you can think of needs people with physics knowledge

Specifics

  • Course specific entry requirements

    3 x 6s from 2 Sciences and Maths

  • Assessment methods

    Exams and a practical endorsement

  • Course duration

    2 years

  • Course type

    Linear A-level

  • Exam board

    OCR

How you will study

In Physics lessons, you can expect a range of teaching techniques such as powerpoint presentations, animations, short videos and group work on practical tasks. Problem solving skills are reinforced by regularly practising past exam questions.

You will gain formal feedback on your progress through weekly assessments. If skills are identified that need further development, you will be directed to relevant independent learning tasks. To further assist you with your understanding and application of Physics, teachers are available several times each week during targeted subject support sessions or by arrangement at a mutually agreed time.

Extension tasks for each topic area stretch the most able students beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare them for challenging university interview questions at prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Course content summary:

  • Module 1

    Development of Practical Skills

  • Module 2

    Foundations of Physics

  • Module 3

    Forces and Motion

  • Module 4

    Electrons, Waves and Photons

  • Module 5

    Newtonian World and Astrophysics

  • Module 6

    Particles and Medical Physics

What can I do after Xaverian?

The overwhelming majority of our students successfully gain places at Russell Group universities.

Physics enables our students to secure places on a variety of university degree courses such as Pure and Applied Physics, many different Engineering degrees, Material Science, Computer Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Optics, Finance, Law, Architecture, Journalism and more.

What can I do after Xaverian?

The overwhelming majority of our students successfully gain places at Russell Group universities.

Physics enables our students to secure places on a variety of university degree courses such as Pure and Applied Physics, many different Engineering degrees, Material Science, Computer Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Optics, Finance, Law, Architecture, Journalism and more.