GCE A Level in Physics
at Trinity School, Newbury · school or sixth form
What the college says
In Year 12, students cover topics on particles and radiation, quantum phenomena, waves and optics, materials, electricity and mechanics. Students will learn about and discuss the inner-most workings of the atom, the story behind quarks and antimatter, and the idea of waves behaving as particles. The properties of waves and the diffraction, refraction and interference of light are studied. The behaviours of electric circuits and materials are investigated. In mechanics, students learn about the laws of forces and motion. For A Level, learners will build on the first year of work and study thermal physics and gases, nuclear physics, further mechanics, and gravitational, electric and magnetic fields. Topics include circular motion, vibration resonance, capacitors, electromagnetic induction and nuclear energy. In addition, a popular option choice is Astrophysics, covering telescopes, the life-cycle of stars and the origin of the universe! At Trinity, the course is assessed internally at the end of the first year by two 90 minute mock papers, each worth 50% of the total marks. The papers test knowledge and understanding of theory as well as practical skills through multiple-choice questions, calculation problems, short written responses and some extended writing. Final assessment is through three 2 hour papers, each worth a third of the total marks and of similar format to the mock exams. NB. 40% of the assessment is of mathematical skills so Physics students are expected to take
What you need to get on
Five grade 5s at GCSE as well a Grade 6 in a Science subject
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Trinity School.
Love Lane Shaw, Newbury, RG14 2DU
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 2 September 2026 · Newbury
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
Baldock · East of England · 18 months
- Their version
King James I Academy Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland · North East · 2 years
- Their version
Durham · North East · 2 years
- Their version
Bexhill-On-Sea · South East · 2 years
- Their version
Westcliff High School For Boys Academy
Westcliff-On-Sea · East of England · 2 years
- Their version
The Ellen Wilkinson School For Girls
London · London · 2 years
- Their version
St Benedict'S Catholic High School
Whitehaven · North West · 18 months
- Their version
Slough · South East · 2 years