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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

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Aquinas Drama students performed “Much Ado About Nothing” on Wednesday 2nd April. The show was a fantastic success for one night only!!. The students performed with confidence and real energy and the audience really appreciated the performance. They also performed sections from the play for all of the Upper Sixth Assembly groups in the week […]

Photograph of Drama students performing Much Ado About Nothing

The BTEC Performing Arts (Acting) students went on a trip to HOME theatre in Manchester to see a play called The House Party. The play was a modern adaptation of the story of Miss Julie. Set at an 18th birthday party with excellent characterisation and intense themes the play took the audience on a roller-coaster […]

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Last week we held our 14th consecutive After Aquinas post-18 options careers event for our students to explore possibilities! We hosted over 90 representatives from a wide range of universities, higher education institutions, apprenticeship/degree apprenticeship providers and employers.

Photograph of a student holding up a prospectus.

In February, 29 students and 4 staff went on a trip of a lifetime to Mumbai to work with the children at the Prem Dan Garden school and also the girls hostel. This was the 20th trip, which made it extra special.

Photograph of pupils and Aquinas students in a class room and Premdan