6th Form Prospectus - 2025_26

Physics What’s it all about? Physicists strive to gain a deep understanding of the natural world. Describing nature within a mathematical framework enables them to model systems as diverse as the inner workings of the atomic nucleus to the birth of the Universe. Physics touches our life in the modern world constantly; we use the latest mobile phones and tablets without truly appreciating the immense technological advances that have been made to put these devices into our hands. We might glance up at the news to see a report on a space probe landing on a comet, without realising the probe was launched over 10 years ago and has travelled 6.4 billion kilometres before its audacious landing. As a budding physicist you will appreciate these wonders, and want to be part of the future challenges that we can’t even imagine. As a school we have an outstanding team delivering theALevel Physics course. Our own interests include medical physics, engineering and astrophysics (to name but a few), and we bring these experiences into our daily work with students to help inspire and advise them. The AQA Physics A Level specification retains a popular, traditional approach to physics. It covers both modern and classical physics in a clear and lively manner. Practical skills are developed throughout the course with the practical endorsement award accredited to successful candidates. Exam and Assessment Information: AQA - 7408 • Measurements and their errors • Particles and radiation • Waves • Mechanics and materials • Electricity • Further mechanics and thermal physics • Fields and their consequences • Nuclear physics • Astrophysics Assessment: Three written two hour exams. “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning.” Albert Einstein, Relativity: The Special and the General Theory Our students say … “Physics has changed theway I look at the universe.” “Although it may be strange, I love the charm of quarks.” What next? Physics is essential for degree courses in the physical sciences, engineering and architecture; it is also well regarded for courses in medicine and veterinary sciences. Physics is a well-respected subject in its own right and physics graduates can be found in a variety of fields from law and accountancy to I.T. and research posts. Recent King James’s School Physics students are currently undertaking careers in medicine, architecture, accountancy, engineering, astrophysics and of course physics, to name but a few. To get started: A Level Physics is an intellectually challenging but highly rewarding endeavour. It is well suited to students who enjoy their mental faculties being pushed to the limits. The high level of maths content makes it the perfect accompaniment to an A Level in Maths. You should be prepared to work hard in order to get the most out of the subject. To be accepted onto the course you will need a grade 6 in GCSE Physics and one other science along with a 6 in Mathematics. π Entry Requirements Five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above including English AND Grade 6 in Maths, Grade 6 in Physics AND one other science OR 66 in Combined Science. 41