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Individual A-level subject pages

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  • A Level Physics: Everything You Need to Know

    What’s A level Physics about?

    A Level Physics explores the fundamental principles that govern the universe, combining theoretical understanding with practical experimentation. The course examines the laws of motion, energy transfer, electrical circuits, and quantum mechanics alongside more advanced topics such as electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics. Students develop strong problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking—abilities that are highly valued across many careers. The subject is not just about learning facts but about developing a way of thinking that allows students to apply concepts to real-world situations, from designing efficient engines to understanding the forces acting on structures.

    Want to find out more, try:

    • Reality Is Not What It Seems by Carlo Rovelli (modern physics and relativity)
    • The Future of Humanity by Michio Kaku (space exploration)
    • Six Easy Pieces by Richard Feynman (fundamentals of physics explained)
    • Good websites for Physicists include www.iop.org and www.physicsworld.com
    What Does the A Level Physics Course Cover?
    A Level physics follows a structured curriculum designed to deepen students’ understanding of key scientific concepts. While all exam boards share core topics, the specific structure and additional focus areas vary. Students also develop essential practical skills through required experiments, reinforcing theoretical knowledge and preparing them for higher education or scientific careers.

    AQA A level Physics covers particles and quantum phenomena, waves and optics, forces and Newton’s laws, momentum, work and energy, and the behaviour of materials and fluids. Students also study electricity and DC circuits, circular motion, simple harmonic motion, and thermal physics. Later in the course, they explore gravitational and electric fields, capacitors, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, radioactivity, and nuclear energy. The syllabus also includes an optional topic, including astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics, turning points in physics, or electronics.

    OCR A Level Physics offers a similarly comprehensive curriculum, starting with motion, forces in action, and the properties of materials. The course covers work and energy, waves and quantum behaviour, and electricity before progressing to circular motion, oscillations, and thermal physics. Students also study gravitational and electric fields, capacitance, magnetic fields, and nuclear and particle physics. The course concludes with astrophysics and cosmology, providing a broad yet detailed exploration of the subject.

    Edexcel A Level Physics follows a structured approach, covering mechanics, electric circuits, and further mechanics before introducing electric and magnetic fields, nuclear and particle physics, and the properties of materials. Later topics include waves and the particle nature of light, thermodynamics, space, gravitational fields, and oscillations, ensuring students gain a well-rounded understanding of physics.

    Eduqas A Level Physics includes motion, energy concepts, and circular motion, followed by vibrations, kinetic theory, electricity, and magnetic fields. The course also explores particle physics, nuclear decay, astrophysics, and medical physics. While the structure differs slightly from other exam boards, the fundamental content remains aligned with core A Level physics principles.

    All exam boards require students to complete a set of practical investigations, which help them develop skills in measurement, data analysis, and experimental design. These practicals are essential for the course and for preparing students for scientific study beyond A Levels.

    What Sort of Work is Involved?
    A Level Physics requires students to engage in theoretical analysis and practical experimentation. The subject demands a firm grasp of abstract concepts such as quantum mechanics and electromagnetic fields and the ability to apply these ideas to real-world problems. Students must be able to work with laboratory equipment, conduct precise measurements, and evaluate experimental results critically.

    Mathematical skills are essential, as many topics involve algebra, trigonometry, and logarithmic functions to solve physics problems. Students must understand and interpret graphs, apply formulas correctly, and think logically about physical systems. In addition to numerical work, physics requires clear and structured scientific writing, particularly when explaining concepts, analysing data, or drawing conclusions from experiments.

    What Background Do I Need?
    Students who take A Level physics should have a strong background in science and mathematics. While exam boards impose no formal subject requirements, most schools and colleges recommend that students have at least a grade 7 in GCSE Physics or Combined Science and at least a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics. However, some institutions accept a grade 6. Since physics is highly mathematical, many students also study A Level mathematics, and some choose to take Further Mathematics, Chemistry, or Biology alongside Physics. These subjects complement each other well and provide a strong foundation for university study.
    Where Can A Level Physics Lead?

    Physics is a highly respected subject that opens doors to a wide range of university courses and career paths. The problem-solving, analytical, and mathematical skills gained through studying physics are valued in many fields. Students who complete A Level Physics often go on to study subjects such as Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science at university. Some also enter fields such as Medicine, Architecture, or Finance, where logical reasoning and numerical skills are in high demand.

    Common career paths for physics students include engineering, mechanical design, electrical and civil engineering, aerospace and automotive industries, renewable energy, and power generation. Many students also go on to work in medical physics, forensic science, data science, and scientific research. Others use their problem-solving skills in sectors such as finance, software development, and artificial intelligence.

    Can I Complete A Level Physics in One Year?
    While A Level Physics is traditionally studied over two years, completing the course in one year through an intensive programme is possible. Students attempting the subject in one year must be prepared for a fast-paced workload, requiring strong mathematical ability, excellent time management, and previous experience with post-16 study. This option is best suited to those with a solid foundation in physics and mathematics or those who have previously studied related subjects at an advanced level.
    Assessment Structure by Exam Board

    Each exam board has a slightly different assessment format:

    AQA

    • Paper 1: Topics 1-5 and 6.1 (Periodic Motion)
    • Paper 2: Topics 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7, and 8
    • Paper 3: Practical skills, data analysis, and an optional topic
    • Practical Endorsement: 12 required experiments assessed against CPAC criteria.

    OCR

    • Paper 1: Modelling Physics (mechanics, materials, and practical skills)
    • Paper 2: Exploring Physics (waves, electricity, and quantum physics)
    • Paper 3: Unified Physics (synoptic questions covering all topics)
    • Practical Endorsement: At least 12 assessed experiments meeting CPAC criteria.

    Edexcel (Pearson)

    • Paper 1: Advanced Physics I (mechanics, electric circuits, and further mechanics)
    • Paper 2: Advanced Physics II (fields, nuclear physics, and thermodynamics)
    • Paper 3: General and Practical Principles (synoptic and practical-based questions)
    • Practical Endorsement: At least 16 required experiments assessed against CPAC criteria.

    Eduqas

    • Paper 1: Newtonian Physics (mechanics, materials, and circular motion)
    • Paper 2: Electricity and the Universe (electricity, waves, and astrophysics)
    • Paper 3: Light, Nuclei, and Particles (optics, nuclear physics, and particle physics)
    • Practical Endorsement: At least 12 required experiments assessed against CPAC criteria.
Why Study A Level Physics at a Private Sixth Form College?

Studying Level Physics at a private sixth-form college offers several advantages. Smaller class sizes allow for more personalised teaching, ensuring students receive individual support when tackling complex topics. Many private colleges employ experienced subject specialists who provide focused guidance, particularly for university preparation.

Flexible course structures, including one-year intensive courses, allow students to tailor their studies to their goals. High-quality laboratory facilities ensure that students gain hands-on experience with practical experiments. Additionally, private colleges often offer targeted support for university admissions, including preparation for competitive applications to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.

A private sixth-form college provides an excellent learning environment for students seeking to maximise their A Level Physics potential, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for academic and professional success.

Written by Sean Doherty, Principal
Westminster Tutors Independent Sixth Form College

Last updated: Jan 16, 2023

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  • All about A level English Literature – course information

    What’s A level English Literature about?

    A level English Literature studies how great writing enables the exploration of many of life’s fundamental themes: love, loneliness, prejudice, bravery and perseverance to name but a few.

    An A level English Literature course covers a variety of modern and historical Prose, Poetry and Drama texts from Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to Andrea Levy and John Betjeman, with many more along the way. The texts you must read are laid down partly by the exam board and partly by your college to make sure that you cover a good variety of writing, and they change from year to year.  In addition to ‘set texts’ which you have to study, you will be expected to explore your own interests: indeed a willingness to ‘read around’ texts is essential.

    What sort of work is involved?

    Reading, discussing and writing are key. You will be expected not just to read, but to develop the skill of thinking critically about what you read and of analysing texts to work out how the author’s use of situation and language create powerful impressions. You will need to explore your own emotional response to writing and be able to discuss it, in class and through your own writing, and to argue constructively for your point of view.

    There are often no ‘correct’ responses to issues or questions raised in English Literature, so you need to be open minded and willing to hear and discuss the opinions of others.

    What background do I need?

    The main requirement is that you need to enjoy reading, writing and sharing ideas. Because there are often no clear conclusions in discussions about Literature, you need to approach the subject with an inquiring mind. If you have not studied English Literature at GCSE you ought to do some preliminary reading so that you know how A level English Literature deals with the study of writing. If you haven’t got a grade 7 or better in English GCSE you may find you struggle with the demands on your vocabulary and writing.

    Where can it lead?

    English Literature is a highly respected A level. As well as an English Literature degree itself, students of Literature might go on to study for University degrees in a range of subjects including: History, Sociology, Psychology, Drama and Theatre Studies and Law. Even Medical Schools value the subject highly.

    It is also very effective in developing transferrable skills such as interpretive abilities, communication, an understanding of how language works, close analysis, and the ability to construct a well-argued case. These are highly valued in a range of graduate careers such as Teaching, Business and Finance, Journalism, Publishing – even Politics.

    One year course?

    You might think A level English Literature is easy to do in three terms – just a case of reading more. In fact it is a very tough subject to do in less than two years unless you have done at least a year of post GCSE work in the subject. This is because it takes time to develop the ability to analyse and to write about texts in the way that the academic study of the subject requires.

    Assessment

    All the main exam boards offer A level English Literature, and although they differ in details, there is much in common in terms of content and assessment. All assessments are done at the end of the course. Here’s what the AQA English Lit B specification requires.

    • Paper 1 is on ‘Literary Genres’. At my college students study texts which explore comedy (tragedy is the other option). Assessment is through a ‘closed book’ written exam lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes.
    • Paper 2 is called ‘ Texts and Genres’. At my college, students study three further texts focusing on Elements of Crime writing (the other option is political & social protest). Assessment is through a 3 hour ‘open book’ written examination.
    • The final assessment is coursework, which involves personal reading alongside the study of a Critical Anthology. Students study two texts and the Critical Anthology and produce two essays of 1250-1500 words each, each essay responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the Critical Anthology. Coursework counts for 20% of your final mark.

    The number and type of set texts we studied in 2017 were: first year: ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ by William Shakespeare, ‘Educating Rita’ by Willy Russell, ‘Small Island’ by Andrea Levy and a range of John Betjeman’s poetry; Second year: ‘Elements of Crime Writing’ including ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare, ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan and poetry by Robert Browning, George Crabbe and Oscar Wilde.

    However, texts change from year to year, and each exam board is different. 

     

    This article was written by Jay Simmonds, Head of A-level English at Bosworth Independent College

    Last updated: Jul 7, 2021

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    • All about A level Politics

      What’s A level Politics about?

      A Level Politics is an engaging and illuminating qualification that offers insight into how power is distributed, exercised, and challenged in the UK and abroad. With the world around us rapidly changing — whether that’s through shifting international alliances, landmark election results, or evolving social movements — Politics has never been more relevant or exciting to study. If you have a curiosity about current events and want to understand the forces shaping modern society, A Level Politics could be an ideal choice.

      A Level Politics introduces you to the structures of government in the UK, the ideas that underpin political thought, and comparative perspectives – usually focusing on the USA, although Edexcel has an international politics option. Among other topics, you will explore how Parliament and the Prime Minister function, how elections work, and what shapes the behaviour of political parties and pressure groups. You will also study core political ideas such as Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism, as well as non-core ideologies like Feminism or Nationalism. This blend of practical and theoretical knowledge allows you to connect everyday news stories to broader political frameworks, making the subject lively and relevant.

      What sort of work is involved?

      You will spend a lot of time discussing and debating current affairs, unpacking real-world examples, and examining how historical events continue to influence today’s political decisions. Independent research is essential, so you will be encouraged to stay up to date.

      You can do this by reading reputable news outlets, listening to political podcasts and radio shows, and generally keeping abreast of the comings and goings in British and American politics. Essay-writing is a central part of the course, helping you learn to structure convincing arguments and present evidence effectively. While this may sound demanding, it is also deeply rewarding — students often find the regular debates and deep dives into modern issues both stimulating and inspiring.

      What background do I need?

      The best starting point is a genuine interest in current affairs and a willingness to keep up with breaking news. A grasp of historical context can be helpful, since many modern political debates are rooted in past events, but it isn’t strictly necessary to have taken History. A good standard of written English is beneficial because the exams are essay based and require you to express your ideas clearly. However, you don’t need to be an expert when you begin.

      A Level Politics is accessible to a wide range of students, and many discover a newfound passion for Politics even if they have never studied it before. Enthusiasm, an open mind, and a desire to learn about the political world are often more important than any specific academic background.

      Where can it lead?

      A Level Politics is well regarded by universities and employers alike. Many students continue with Politics, International Relations, or related subjects at university; some go on to become involved in journalism, public policy, law, or even politics itself. For university applications, Politics is particularly suited to students wishing to study humanities or social science subjects at university and is particularly popular with Law applicants.

      One year course?

      Yes, it is absolutely possible to study A Level Politics in one year, although you should be prepared for a faster pace and a heavier workload, as with any one year course. There is a lot of content in Politics but a lot of the best evidence will come from outside the classroom – from news broadcasts, political podcasts and newspapers. If you have an interest in politics and current affairs, you will learn a lot outside your studies.

      Assessment

      Both Edexcel and AQA assess A Level Politics through three written exams at the end of the course, each covering different themes and topics, but with slightly different structures:

      Edexcel

      Paper 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas This paper covers Democracy and Participation, Electoral Systems, Political Parties, and Voting Behaviour. It also examines core political ideas such as Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism.

      Paper 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas This paper focuses on the Constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister, and relationships between different branches of government. It also includes non-core political ideas such as Feminism or Nationalism, depending on which idea your school or college chooses to teach.

      Paper 3: Comparative Politics – USA This paper compares the political systems of the UK and the USA. It looks at the Constitution, Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, Civil Rights, and issues of democracy and participation, encouraging you to analyse similarities and differences in governance and political culture.

      AQA

      Paper 1: Government and Politics of the UK This paper explores the nature and sources of the British Constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister and Executive, and the relationships between the different branches of the UK government. It also examines democracy, participation, and electoral systems in the UK.

      Paper 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics This paper investigates the constitutional framework of the USA, the workings of Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, and civil rights. It also requires students to compare and contrast the political systems of the UK and the USA.

      Paper 3: Political Ideas This paper concentrates on core ideologies such as Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism, as well as an additional, non-core political idea like Feminism or Nationalism. You will study key thinkers and evaluate how these ideas have influenced political developments.

       

      Ian Pay
      Vice Principal
      Rochester Independent College

      Last updated: Jan 16, 2023

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      • All about A level History of Art – course information

        What’s A level History of Art about?

        A level History of Art is a grand tour of two millennia of art and architecture across the continents and cultures of the globe, spanning European, Middle-Eastern, Asian and African societies.

        The A level, which is provided by the EDEXCEL (Pearson) exam board, is structured in three core areas: visual analysis, thematic study, and the study of art-historical periods.

        • In the visual analysis component, you learn how to analyze European art and architecture from the Classical period to the present day, developing the skills and terminology required to describe works of art and architecture in accurate detail.
        • In the thematic component you consider works of art and architecture from different parts of the globe from specific perspectives, comparing and contrasting the different cultural approaches to the same theme – two themes are chosen from a possible three: war, identities, and nature.
        • In the art-historical component, you make a detailed study of a specific period in European and / or American art history, considering works in depth with regard to their social, philosophical, and cultural influences, and examining their role and influence in society. You study two periods from a possible five: the Italian Renaissance (1420 – 1520); the Baroque in Catholic Europe (1597 – 1685); the avant-garde in Britain and France in the late 19th century (1848 – 99); and British and American contemporary culture (1960 – 2015).

        Each component of the A level (except visual analysis) incorporates a list of designated artworks from which approximately 15 to 20 works are chosen for in-depth study. Additionally, critical texts are studied in relation to all components of the syllabus (except visual analysis) – these can range from biographical to theoretical and form a core ingredient of the assessment.

        The new linear syllabus is particularly exciting, as it is the first time that works of art and architecture, and critical texts, from beyond the Western tradition have been an integral part of A level History of Art. This is the first truly global History of Art A level and, as such, provides the best foundation in the subject to date.

        What sort of work is involved?

        A level History of Art is a humanities subject, so it requires many of the same skills as subjects such as English Literature and History, along with the specific skills applicable to the study of visual culture. While the ability and desire to undertake close visual study of works of art and architecture is essential for the A level, you should also be able to read texts in a critical manner and be able to formulate your own arguments into clearly structured essays that are fluently expressed. Likewise, an enjoyment of the world of ideas and concepts is crucial to getting the best out of the A level. Needless to say, a strong interest and appreciation of visual culture, in all its diverse forms across the globe, is an essential ingredient for success and enjoyment of the A level History of Art.

        What background do I need?

        There is no GCSE in History of Art. However, given the essential and dominant requirements of structured written responses in every part of the A level examination, the completion of GCSEs in humanities subjects in which writing skills are acquired and examined, such as English Literature and History, is a significant advantage. Previous experience of visual culture – such as visiting art galleries, museums, and sites of architectural heritage – is a distinct advantage.

        Where can it lead?

        While most universities do not require students to have studied History of Art at A level if they are applying to study the degree, those students who have studied the subject at A level are very well prepared for an undergraduate degree in the subject. As a humanities subject, A level History of Art also facilitates entry into humanities undergraduate degrees, such as Classics, English Literature, History, and Philosophy.

        Additionally, most fine art undergraduate degree courses require a compulsory element of art-historical study for which the A level can be a very useful introduction.

        Completing a History of Art degree can provide a helpful background for students wishing to pursue a career in the art world: museum work; jobs in heritage, particularly those related to architectural conservation: and the more commercial side of the art world, such as the commercial galleries and auction houses.

        In an increasingly visual world, a History of Art degree can also provide a valuable foundation for the advertising industry and for industries such as the fashion world, product design, and film-making.

        One year course?

        This very much depends upon a student’s interest, ability to write well and willingness to work hard before they begin the A level. It also requires a specific teaching programme rather than simply taking the final year of a school’s two-year programme!

        Assessment

        There is now only one examination board EDEXCEL (Pearson). Your A level grade will be decided by two three hour written exams.

        There is no coursework component in the linear exam, but part of the exam papers requires you to comment on works of art and writing which you’ve not previously studied.

         

        This article was written by Ashbourne Independent College

        Last updated: Mar 30, 2022

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        • All about A level Classical Civilisation – course information

          What is A level Classical Civilisation about?

          A level Classical Civilisation gives you an understanding of some of the oldest and most engaging literature and art ever produced. You will also gain a deep insight into the Greek and Roman world, from which sprang much of European thought and art, and which underlies our modern cultural outlook.

          The literature studied in the course explores central human issues – fate and destiny, gender, war and peace, the human and the divine – to mention just a few. In addition, the art and architecture components involve study of some of the finest structures from the classical world, such as the Parthenon or the Coliseum.

          In a highly enjoyable way, reading classical literature in English translation, you will progress from the first oral tales of Troy to the flourishing of theatre, history and philosophy at Athens and Rome. There are also visual arts options, covering a period of some thousand years, from prehistory to the end of the ancient world.  Becoming familiar with a unique range and quality of texts and arts, you will develop your skills of understanding a complex source and interpreting it for a wide audience.

          The A level Classical Civilisation course from the OCR exam board covers three main components.

          • The first component, ‘The World of the Hero‘, covers Homer’s and Virgil’s epics, some of the greatest and most influential tales ever told, and places them within the context of the earliest literate cultures of Europe: the Mycenaean, Classical, Hellenistic and Augustan ages.
          • The second, ‘Culture and the arts‘, offers a choice of ancient theatre, visual art, or the study of themes (such as the imperial image or the invention of the barbarian), whilst examining the roles of men and women in Athens and Rome, using both literature and visual art.
          • The third, ‘Beliefs and ideas‘, gives a choice between the themes of Greek religion, the love poetry or the politics of Greece and Rome. You will be studying some of the most evocative and engaging manifestations in these fields and covering history and philosophy which stretches from the Persian wars to Socrates, Alexander, Caesar and beyond.

          The study of Classical Civilisation gives you many valuable transferable skills, such as:

          • logical analysis
          • clarity of expression
          • persuasion
          • contextual interpretation
          • breadth and balance in the handling, structuring and presentation of complex information

          What sort of work is involved?

          You don’t need to learn Greek or Latin for the A level Classical Civilisation course. The subject leads you to a wide range of sources and approaches. These will always include much reading, whichever components you choose, and refining your thought in class discussion, where a personal approach is encouraged. Study sources include many original texts in translation but also engaging with art, watching short documentaries and films, or attending lectures and plays.

          You will develop an extensive range of thinking skills while you interpret detailed and intriguing sources that demand a higher level of understanding and allow room for conflicting interpretations. The key exam skills are essay writing and dealing with questions which require you to interpret a piece of text.

          What background do I need? 

          The most important quality to bring to the course is an interest in culture and a willingness to develop your ability to appreciate and analyse. An independent critical ability and imagination is a great resource; a willingness to open a window onto an unexpected vista and confront popular misconceptions about culture is a driving force for many budding Classicists nowadays. You will need curiosity, determination, good time management, and independent working skills to achieve a good grade.

          Where can it lead?

          Successful A level Classical Civilisation students can go on to study a range of Classics degree courses, often under tutelage of top academics, especially since Classical studies are offered at many Russell Group universities. After training in their area of specialism (which may involve history, archaeology or ancient languages), students go into a broad variety of employment areas, from teaching and research to business management or the Civil Service, or opt for further study.

          Careers can include working as archivist, barrister, chartered accountant, Civil Service fast streamer, editorial assistant, fine art specialist, heritage manager, higher education lecturer, market researcher, as well as many other possible creative or managerial jobs and careers.

          One year course?

          Due to the considerable academic and creative challenges of the new syllabus and assessment pattern, you will find it tough to do well in A Level Classical Civilisation in less than two years of study. Developing your skills takes time to experiment and think, and isn’t easily compressed into three terms, but it can be done if you have good academic skills and you are prepared to word very hard

          Assessment

          The linear exam (sat for the first time in summer 2019) consists of 3 written papers – one on each of the three components described above. Each paper contains a mix of essay questions, short answer questions and stimulus questions based on a piece of text.

           

          This article was written by George Chaldezos, Tutor in charge of Classics, Ashbourne College London

          Last updated: Mar 30, 2022

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