A level Physics (International)

Why study A level Physics (International)?

A level Physics gives you the opportunity to explore the phenomena of the universe, with theories that explain what is observed, and practical experiments to test those ideas. You will learn about everything from kinematics to cosmology, and many recent developments in fascinating topics, such as particle physics. If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between, this is the subject for you. Physics is more than a subject – it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries.

A level Physics is a mixture of highly conceptual thinking and very practical applications. You need to be able to think about abstract ideas such as fields, but be able to apply those ideas to how, for instance, electric motors work. Getting accurate results from experiments requires competence in using equipment. Calculations are an important part of A level Physics and you need to be comfortable with basic algebra. At the same time descriptive work requires you to communicate clearly in writing. Much of what you learn in Physics will complement A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Physics is a highly respected A level. A good grade in A level Physics demonstrates to an employer that you have strong analytical and mathematical skills that you can apply to many real-life situations. There are many possible career paths that it will create for you, like Science (many branches), Engineering, Medicine, Forensics, Electronics, Computing and IT, Finance and many more.

Note that our experienced University Services Adviser can advise on A level courses and all aspects of university entrance including application support and references.

SEE OUR IGCSE & A LEVEL EXAM RESULTS

Wolsey Hall Oxford is a registered school of Cambridge Assessment International Education

Wolsey Hall is a registered online Cambridge International School.

Wolsey Hall Oxford is a Pearson Edexcel approved centre

We offer a wide range of A level courses.

What do I need to know to enrol?

A level Physics (Int) is open only to students based outside the UK. It builds directly on the work you will have done for IGCSE equivalent in the subject.

Grade B or 6 in both Physics and Maths at IGCSE or the equivalent is required before starting on A level Physics. Due to the advanced level of Mathematics required, and the overlap between the two subjects at A level, we strongly recommend that you take A level Maths alongside A level Physics.

We also require that all A level students have IGCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above.

The syllabus and exam

This course prepares you for the Edexcel International A level Physics syllabus XPH11 (for AS) and YPH11 (for A2). Exams take place in January, June and October.

AS level

Paper 1

Mechanics and Materials (code WPH11/01) worth 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Paper 2

Waves and Electricity (code WPH12/01) worth 40% of the AS grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Paper 3

Practical Skills in Physics I (code WPH13/01) worth 20% of the AS grade and 10% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 20 minutes)

A level

Paper 4

Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles (code WPH14/01) worth 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 45 minutes)

Paper 5

Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology (code WPH15/01) worth 40% of the A2 grade and 20% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 45 minutes)

Paper 6

Practical Skills in Physics II (code WPH16/01) worth 20% of the A2 grade and 10% of the overall A level grade. (1 hour and 20 minutes)

You will not be expected to carry out experiments during the exams. But you are expected to develop your experimental skills and a knowledge and understanding of practical techniques.

You can do this by using the links to videos and notes about the core practicals provided in your course. Our course materials have been developed with the home student in mind, ensuring that you understand how the practicals would be carried out in a laboratory environment.

The new AS was examined for the first time in 2019. The new A2 was examined for the first time in 2020.

All of our A level courses include a number of past exam papers in the final module. These include the most recent paper which can be taken as a mock exam and submitted to your Tutor for assessment and feedback for a modest additional fee.

Course samples

Course Fees

Tarun has been doing Year 7 and 8 English, Maths and Science with Wolsey Hall. He is enjoying his courses and loves the flexibility the whole homeschooling program brings. He is able to plan his learning at his own pace, and plan his day well to accommodate his other interests of playing the Violin and Piano, reading and playing games. The online material in terms of textbooks, videos, the course plan and support from his tutors is helping him get past his studies with ease. During the peak Covid times when amazon deliveries were stopped the online virtual library of Wolsey was a boon to him as he loves to read.
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Deepali Patel, Secondary Parent

India

I must say enrolling Nicole at Wolsey Hall has been one of the best decisions we ever made. At school, Nicole’s progress remained extremely limited due to lack of support with her learning difficulties. Since being at Wolsey, Nicole’s English has come on leaps and bounds, from her spelling, to grammar, to organisation and formats of essays. The amount of time and support Nicole’s tutors, Pat and Michelle have invested in Nicole has been fantastic. Nicole’s academic knowledge and confidence has soared since being at Wolsey and I am extremely grateful to you all. (Nicole has segmatic pragmatic disorder high functioning autism, as well as suspected dyslexia).
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Michelle Rudge – IGCSE Parent

UK

I have just finished consulting with Michelle about Truman and his studies. She is really an amazing asset to your organization, her ability to understand children really blew me away. She has recommended several methods for us to ensure that Truman enjoys and succeeds in his education through Wolsey Hall. We’re really excited to get started.

Rebecca Atkins – Homeschooling Three Children

Italy

Katy Oatridge

Subjects: Chemistry, Physics

James McCue

Subjects: Physics, Science

Christi Brasher

Subjects: Physics

Antal Koos

Subjects: Physics

Vanessa Cheel

Subjects: Physics

Marcus Simmons

Subjects: Maths, Physics