About A-level Physics
The GCE A-level in Physics is a must for anyone wanting to study Physics or Engineering at university. Generally, it is advisable for someone considering sitting A-level Physics to also sit GCE A-level Mathematics as there is a considerable amount of overlap. GCE A-level Physics without mathematics is manageable though may prove demanding whenever there are more challenging calculations. The GCE A-level in Physics acts as an excellent complement to many other A-levels, particularly chemistry and economics – many students opt for Maths – Physics – Chemistry or Maths – Physics – Economics as strong combinations for applications for Chemistry and Economics degrees respectively.
The syllabus is broad and interesting in that it covers many areas of physics that are directly applicable in the real word, such as Material Physics, and also fascinating topics as Astrophysics and Cosmology, which are more theoretical yet very topical and fascinating. The examination is divided into six modules which can be covered in one academic year by a committed, dedicated student rather than the recommended 2-year preparation period. A full description of the syllabus of the Pearson Edexcel syllabus can be found here.
At the Tree Foundation Tutorial College, we have tutors who are Physics graduates from the very best universities in the world, with abundant experience in tutoring GCE A-level as well as advising and guiding prospective students with regard to future careers. If you wish to prepare for a GCE A-level in Physics, then please contact us to get started.
FAQ
How long will it take me to prepare for a full GCE A-level in Physics (AS & A2)?
Generally, we would consider a minimum of 30 tutorial hours for the AS and an additional 20 tutorial hours for the A2. Remember that at the Tree Foundation Tutorial College we work on the 5:1 rule: for every hour of tutorial you will have to do at least 5 hours of proper studying.
When and where can I sit the GCE Physics A-level?
At the Tree Foundation Tutorial College we generally use the Pearson Edexcel IAL (International A-level) in Physics which is available 3 times per year, in January, May/June and October/November. The examinations can be booked and sat at the nearest British Council which acts as an official test centre (please contact your nearest British Council for further information).
What score do I need to attain an A grade?
The grade boundaries for GCE A-level Physics are not necessarily that high though they have varied quite a lot over the years. For a full breakdown of grade boundaries please refer to the official grade boundaries here.
Important links
At the Tree Foundation, we prefer the Pearson-Edexcel IAL. All the relevant information can be found here.
There is significant overlap with the various syllabi of other examination boards and consequently at the Tree Foundation we are more than capable of tutoring for the other examination boards such as:
Practice materials – Recommended textbooks
There are many textbooks for GCE A-level Physics though some remain “classics” for the serious student. One of those enduring classics is Roger Muncaster’s A-level Physics, first published in the 1980s and now in its fourth edition, used as textbook by many of the tutors at the Tree Foundation Tutorial College. We highly recommend that you purchase this book even though there may be some areas that are not included in the current syllabus and/or the book goes into too much depth. As excellent complements we would also recommend Muncaster’s Astrophysics and Cosmology, Nuclear Physics and Fundamental Particles, and Relativity and Quantum Physics.
Other essential recommended textbooks for the Edexcel Pearson IAL