Subject Overview of Physics

Key Stage 4

Pupils can follow one of three pathways:

Single Award Science

This is equivalent to 1 GCSE (6 periods over 2 weeks).  The Physics, Chemistry and Biology components are taught by the same teacher.

This CCEA specification provides a broad, coherent and practical course that develops confidence in and a positive view of science.  It encourages you to appreciate the value of science in your life and in the wider world.

Double Award Science

This is equivalent 2  GCSEs  (12 periods in 2 weeks).  Each component is delivered by a Physics, a Chemistry and a Biology specialist. 

The qualification provides a broad, coherent and practical course that develops confidence in and a positive view of science. It encourages you to appreciate the value of science in your life and in the wider world around you.

Triple Award Science

This is equivalent 3  GCSEs  (18 periods in 2 weeks).  Each component is delivered by a Physics, a Chemistry and a Biology specialist. 

This CCEA specification in GCSE Physics provides a broad, coherent and practical course that develops confidence in physics and offers a positive view of science. It encourages you to appreciate the value of physics in your life and in the wider world.

Key Stage 5

Unlike the other sciences, physics has no limits – everything in your life, on this planet, other planets, to the far reaches of universe and beyond is in physics’ job description.

You will already have come across some of the concepts of physics at GCSE: forces, energy, waves, radioactivity, electricity and magnetism. At A-level you will start to see how these ideas work together, and begin to grasp the universal principles that apply to everything from the smallest atoms to the largest galaxies.