How will I be examined? The weighting of PE is 70 per cent theory and 30 per cent practical. Pupils will complete a two hour paper based on physiological factors affecting performance, a one-hour paper on psychological factors affecting performance, and a one-hour paper on socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport. Pupils will also perform one practical sport and analyse others’ performance which is worth the remaining 30 per cent. What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? Although there is no written coursework in PE, the practical components of the A-level course are very important. At A-level you will be assessed in one sport and you will also be examined in your ability to observe, analyse and verbally respond to a live performance in one of your activities.
How will I be examined? You will sit three written papers each two hours long.
• Paper 1 (34 per cent of A-level) Particles and radiation, waves, materials, electricity and mechanics • Paper 2 (34 per cent of A-level) Thermal physics, fields and nuclear physics. Both paper one and paper two consist of a combination of longer answer questions and multiple choice questions • Paper 3 (32 per cent of A-level) Practical skills and data analysis In the course you will study there is no coursework or project work. However, there are twelve practical experiments which the exam board expect every pupil to have completed during their normal classroom teaching. Pupils will be expected to complete independent measurement and their teachers will record evidence of ongoing assessment of practical skills. Practical skills will also be examined in Paper 3 of the A-level exams.
Mrs J M Simmonds Head of Physical Education
Physics
Mr A T Roberts Head of Physics
What is the subject about? Physics helps you to understand the fundamental laws that describe mathematically how the earth and the entire universe operate. Studying physics at this level can enable you to gain access to a wide range of degrees requiring skills in problem solving, analysing and interpreting data. You will discover how theories governing our universe are developed. In the modern world, an understanding of physics empowers you to form educated opinions about current issues such as global warming, climate change, alternative energy, nuclear power and treatment of nuclear waste. The fundamental principles of physics form the foundation of other areas of science. For example, the conservation of energy is a key principle of physics that provides the starting point in explaining a wide range of studies from atomic bonding to weather forecasting; the study of electricity is used both theoretically and practically to explain electrode potentials in chemistry and the flow of nerve impulses in medicine. The modules of the course develop ideas studied in the AQA GCSE in physics, e.g. mechanics, electricity, waves, radioactivity and introduces new topics such as particle physics, quantum phenomena and special relativity. Why might I choose to study physics at A-level? The study of physics at A-level provides a good basis in logical and practical thinking and problem solving. As such, it is a very marketable qualification and is accepted for a whole range of non-scientific disciplines from accountancy to law. Medics find A-level physics very useful in understanding some of the scientific aspects of their course, and it is expected that the skills you learn will stand you in good stead for the 21st century. Physics A-level also complements studies in maths, biology, chemistry and geography. Apart from physics and engineering degrees, A-level physics can be useful for non-science based courses such as economics and geography, which also value the analytical nature of physics. Physics graduates are in great demand in both research and business.
Politics
What is the subject about? Who holds power and authority in the UK, Europe, the US and around the world? Who makes the laws that affect our everyday lives? How are these lawmakers elected? How much power do they really have? How democratic are our systems and how could they be improved? What influence or say in this process do we have as ordinary people? If those kind of questions make you sit up and think, ‘I’m not sure, but I should know more’, then this has to be an A-level worth considering. Politics encourages pupils to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of our own political systems, while putting our systems into a global context. Why might I choose to study politics at A-level? As you step out into the big wide world you will be old enough to vote, to have a say in how this country is run. With this privilege comes the responsibility to grasp the key issues at stake, both at home and abroad, so that you can make informed judgements. In a post-truth world still reeling from the implications of Brexit and Covid, the war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and landslide election victories on both sides of the Atlantic, this must surely be a good thing! Taking a pro-active interest in current affairs and understanding how decisions can be made by our politicians is a key life skill; one that will be enhanced by studying Politics at A-level, enabling you to be an active, informed and engaged citizen. Trips to Westminster and Washington DC will also help to consolidate your understanding of this turbulent and ever-changing subject content. If you love arguing and want to develop your own powers of analysis, evaluation and critical thinking skills, then Politics will provide the tools you need to make sense of national and international political upheavals as they happen. You will develop, communicate and defend your own views about the issues that drive us to engage in reasoned debate.
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