Further Details
Course Code
LA09154
Location
Deeside
Duration
Full Time, The AS content is taught in the first year of study.
The A2 content is taught in the second year of study.
Department
A Levels
Start Date
01 Sep 2025
End Date
19 Jun 2026
Course Overview
The AS level Physics syllabus followed at Coleg Cambria is that of the WJEC and consists of two theory units which are examined at the end of the first year. An additional three units are studied by those students who wish to achieve a full A level qualification in the second year of the course. One of the second year units is a practical examination. A brief overview of the course content is given below.

Unit 1 - Motion Energy & Matter: This covers the topics of Basic Physics, Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy concepts, Solids under stress, Using radiation to investigate stars, Particles & nuclear structure.

Unit 2 - Electricity and Light: This covers the topics of Conduction of Electricity, Resistance, DC circuits, The nature of waves, Wave properties, Refraction, Photons and Lasers

Unit 3 - Oscillations and nuclei: This covers the topics of Circular motion, Vibrations, Kinetic theory, Thermal Physics, Nuclear decay and nuclear energy.

Unit 4 - Fields and Options: This covers the topics of Capacitance, Electrostatic & Gravitational fields, Orbits and the wider universe, Magnetic fields and Electromagnetic Induction. There is also one Option topic to be chosen from: Alternating Currents, Medical Physics, The Physics of Sports and Energy & the environment. Please note that the option unit chosen will depend upon availability of practical equipment and other resources.

Unit 5: Practical Physics unit. In addition to the specified practical exercises set by WJEC you will undertake a wide range of practical work to support theory units. Students are required to maintain an organised file of their laboratory work in preparation for assessment in this unit.
Units 1 and 2 are both assessed through a 1½ hour written paper with questions which will relate to practical experience. Both units will contribute equally to the AS qualification and combined will form 40% of the full A Level qualification.

Units 3 and 4 are both assessed through written papers. Unit 3 paper is 2.25 hours which includes a comprehension question. Unit 4 is examined through a paper lasting 2 hours.

In the papers for Units 1-4 there will be questions based on specified practical work undertaken throughout the course.

Unit 5 is the assessment of practical work through two tests which are marked externally by the WJEC:- an Experimental Task lasting 1.5 hours and a Data Analysis Task lasting 1 hour. Both of these are set in the spring term of the A2 year

There will be internal mock examinations on published dates to provide realistic experience of examination conditions and practice.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language / Welsh (1st Language) and meet the following criteria:

– GCSE Maths at grade B/6 or above on higher tier.
– GCSE Science at grade B/6 or above on higher tier in the science you wish to study.

At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
Physicists are very versatile people who possess a broad and adaptable range of skills. Employers rate Physics qualifications very highly indeed and, as a result, by studying AS/A level Physics students will open doors to a surprising variety of jobs.

It should be noted that possession of an A level Physics qualification is an essential requirement for progression to some University courses (such as all forms of Engineering) as well as being an essential subject for students wanting to embark upon undergraduate apprenticeship courses such as that offered by the local employer Airbus.
Some courses may require equipment and/or uniforms to be purchased.
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