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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

We were delighted to welcome Dr Joel Smith, senior lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Manchester, to the Aquinas Theology department last week. He delivered a lecture entitled ‘are we free?’ and focussed on the thoughts of existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. Our students engaged in a discussion at the end which was critical and […]

Photograph of Dr Joel Smith giving a talk to students

The Lower sixth A level Drama and Theatre studies went to the Bolton Octagon for a morning showing of Animal Farm. The play tells the story of the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrowing their master and taking over. They imagine it is the beginning of a life of freedom and equality for all.

Photograph of the stage at the Octagon Theatre.

As part of the Jubilee Year celebrations our students had the opportunity to visit the College chapel to see a book of 1st class and 2nd class relics which we were lucky to borrow from neighbouring Xaverian College.

Photograph of relics in the chapel

Lower six Photography students were invited on a tour of the Underbank and an opportunity to see photographs from Stockport’s archive both photographs and maps. The students have been asked to capture images that evoke & reflect the theme of ‘Lenses through time’. Looking into the rich history of Stockport’s Underbanks, in comparison to modern […]

Photograph of students visiting the Stockport Underbank area