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Physics

Does a black hole lead to a parallel universe? Will we be able to travel in time? How will the universe end? Will we be able to make a simple quantum computer? The A level Physics course shows how Physics is exciting, always developing, of great practical use in many ways and in many careers, as well as probing some of the deepest truths about the physical world. A level Physics describes essential core ideas in Physics in a variety of up-to-date and interesting settings.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board OCR
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method 100% Examination
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a physics student stood in front of a whiteboard.

The course consists of six modules. It is assessed by three examinations, each of which can assess content from any of the modules.

  • Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Physics
  • Module 2: Foundations of Physics
  • Module 3: Forces & Motion
  • Module 4: Electrons, Waves & Photons
  • Module 5: Newtonian World & Astrophysics
  • Module 6: Particles & Medical Physics

A physics qualification is highly valued by employers and universities and it has been shown that people with a Physics degree earn higher salaries compared to many other degrees.

Physics is useful or essential for a wide range of careers including all branches of engineering, careers in scientific research, medical physics, radiography and other areas linked to medicine, electronics, meteorology, environmental science and geophysics.

Physics A-Level is often taken by people intending to study medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, whilst the logic and problem-solving skills it develops are essential for successful careers in business, law and finance.

  • Each year students get the opportunity to take part in the Physics Olympiad.
  • Each year we take students to visit the world’s largest scientific experiment – the Large Hadron Collider facility at CERN, near Geneva, Switzerland.
  • We also encourage students to attend outside events such as talks by the Manchester Lit and Phil Lecture series and at the Big Bang event.
  • Careers trips are run annually.

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News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

BTEC Creative Media Production and A level Graphics had an incredibly successful and inspiring day at APS with Northern Trains. From the insightful introductions and talks from industry professionals to the engaging creative brief, our students were fully immersed in a real-world marketing environment.

Photograph of students undertaking a task at APS

For the first time we celebrated our annual sports presentation in the canteen at college. This was a great afternoon celebrating the sporting successes of our teams, individual athletes, Upper Sixth classes and pathways department. We had a brilliant turnout and a great afternoon.

Photograph of students receiving their awards

It was a privilege to welcome guest speaker and first-generation Holocaust survivor Tomi Komoly from the Northern Holocaust Education Group to College this week to talk about his experiences as a young child growing up in 1940s Budapest. Tomi spoke about the rise in fascism in Hungary, which culminated in an alliance with the Nazis.

Guest speaker Tomi Komoly talks about his experience of the Holocaust.

Completed by first-year A-Level Photography students at Aquinas College, this exhibition invites you to explore the rich and evolving heritage of Stockport. Created in collaboration with Stockroom, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, and Stockport Heritage Trust, the project reflects on the town’s past, present, and future through a photographic lens.

Photograph collage of old and new in Stockport town centre.