Curriculum Summary
|
Module (Topic) |
Skill Area |
Focus Areas |
|
1. Physical quantities and units |
Knowledge & Understanding |
Understand quantities, units, SI system, estimates and dimensions. |
|
2. Kinematics |
Analysis & Application |
Motion in one dimension, graphs, equations of motion. |
|
3. Dynamics |
Knowledge & Application |
Forces, Newton’s laws and motion. |
|
4. Forces, density and pressure |
Knowledge & Application |
Pressure concepts and density. |
|
5. Work, energy and power |
Analysis & Problem-solving |
Energy transfers, work and power. |
|
6. Deformation of solids |
Application & Practice |
Elasticity and stress–strain relationships. |
|
7. Waves |
Understanding & Interpretation |
Wave properties, speed, frequency and wavelength. |
|
8. Superposition |
Knowledge & Understanding |
Superposition in waves and interference. |
|
9. Electricity |
Application & Problem-solving |
Electric current, charge and simple circuits. |
|
10. D.C. circuits |
Analysis & Practice |
Resistive circuits, Ohm’s law and energy transfer. |
|
11. Particle physics |
Knowledge & Concepts |
Elementary particles and interactions. |
|
12. Motion in a circle |
Application & Problem-solving |
Circular motion dynamics. |
|
13. Gravitational fields |
Knowledge & Application |
Newtonian gravity and field concepts. |
|
14. Temperature |
Understanding & Analysis |
Thermal concepts and scales. |
|
15. Ideal gases |
Knowledge & Problem-solving |
Gas laws and molecular interpretation. |
|
16. Thermodynamics |
Analysis & Application |
Heat engines, work and energy transfer. |
|
17. Oscillations |
Knowledge & Interpretation |
Simple harmonic motion. |
|
18. Electric fields |
Understanding & Application |
Field definitions and field lines. |
|
19. Capacitance |
Knowledge & Problem-solving |
Capacitors and energy storage. |
|
20. Magnetic fields |
Understanding & Application |
Magnetic forces and field patterns. |
|
21. Alternating currents |
Analysis & Practice |
AC circuits, RMS values and transformers. |
|
22. Quantum physics |
Conceptual Understanding |
Photons, atomic behaviour and duality. |
|
23. Nuclear physics |
Knowledge & Interpretation |
Nuclear reactions and decay. |
|
24. Medical physics |
Application & Context |
Physics in medical diagnosis and treatment. |
|
25. Astronomy and cosmology |
Understanding & Analysis |
Stars, galaxies and the expanding universe. |
Notes:
• Topics 1–11 are the required core for AS Level study.
• A Level candidates are expected to study all 25 modules, with advanced topics (~12–25) building upon the AS core.
• Practical skills underpin all modules and are assessed in dedicated practical papers.
Assessment Overview
|
Paper |
Assessment Type & Duration |
Marks & Focus |
|
Paper 1 |
Multiple Choice (1h 15m) |
40 marks, based on AS topics. |
|
Paper 2 |
AS Structured Questions (1h 15m) |
60 marks, AS theory. |
|
Paper 3 |
Advanced Practical Skills (2h) |
40 marks, practical investigations. |
|
Paper 4 |
A Level Structured Questions (2h) |
100 marks, full A Level content. |
|
Paper 5 |
Planning, Analysis & Evaluation (1h 15m) |
30 marks, experimental analysis. |
Routes:
• AS only (Papers 1, 2, 3).
• A Level staged with AS carry-forward.
• Full A Level in one series.