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A-LEVEL PHYSICS

Learn about A-level Physics at d'Overbroeck's, the subject suits students fascinated about the way the world is and by the exactness of science.
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WHAT IS A-LEVEL PHYSICS?

From the birth and death of stars to the fleeting interactions of tiny particles, Physics examines how our world works. To do this it uses ideas ranging from Force and Energy (easily understood and every day) to Strangeness and Charm (rather more abstract and fanciful). It is a fascinating subject, driven by the desire to find out how and why matter behaves the way it does.

Physics is not only interesting, it is also highly marketable. A strong A level in Physics demonstrates that you possess a wide range of key skill – exactly what employers and universities are looking for today. Indeed there can be few subjects at A level that cover such a wide range of transferable skills: the use of IT in data-logging experiments, the numerical skills which form the bedrock of the subject (essential in problem-solving and in practical work) and skills in written expression needed to produce clear, concise explanations.

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WHAT YOU'LL DO

First Year

  • Foundations of Physics
  • Forces and motion
  • Electrons, waves and photons

Second Year

  • Newtonian World and Astrophysics
  • Particles and Medical Physics

Throughout the two years, we also develop students’ practical skills and understanding of how to handle data. For students taking the full A level, this contributes to the A level Practical Endorsement, which is awarded alongside their A level grade.

d'Overbroeck's physics A-level

WHOM DOES THIS SUBJECT SUIT?

Physics suits anyone who is fascinated by how things work, by fundamental questions about the way the world is and by the exactness of science.


Studying the subject you will feel that what you learn builds upon what you did at GCSE but in a more mathematical way. You must practice the use of maths in the subject so that it becomes natural to you so you can begin to concentrate on the ideas themselves as they become more complex.

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WHAT MIGHT THE SUBJECT LEAD TO?

Physics is very well regarded by universities and is important if you want to study Engineering (whether for a general or a specialised course). It is also useful for Economics, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Computing to name just a few degree subjects.

Many of our Physics students have gone on to study Physics, Economics, Computing, Mathematics and Engineering at universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, Imperial College and Bristol.

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YOUR TEACHERS

Who teaches Physics?

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Charlie Currie
Head of Physics

Charlie studied Physics at Jesus College, Oxford, specialising in Condensed Matter Physics and Seismology. Afterwards he accidentally found himself teaching science in the Chouf region of Lebanon.

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Charlie Currie

Charlie studied Physics at Jesus College, Oxford, specialising in Condensed Matter Physics and Seismology. Afterwards he accidentally found himself teaching science in the Chouf region of Lebanon. Having experienced the pleasure of talking about Physics to a captive audience he returned to Oxford for his PGCE. Charlie taught in Eynsham for 5 years before moving to d’Overbroeck’s in 2009.

Outside the classroom Charlie is a fan of all things science fiction, a relentless board gamer, an inadequate rock climber, and a sleep deprived father.

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Ian Watkins
Teacher of Mathematics and Physics, Second in Sixth Form Maths

Ian graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Mathematics in 2009. A four year career in the gas and power industry followed before he moved to Cape Town, South Africa and started teaching mathematics and physics.

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Ian Watkins

Ian graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Mathematics in 2009. A four year career in the gas and power industry followed before he moved to Cape Town, South Africa and started teaching mathematics and physics. He joined d’Overbroeck’s in 2019 after taking four months out to explore southern and east Africa while living in a Land Rover Discovery.

Ian is passionate about teaching students to use mathematics and physics to understand the world (and the wider universe). His favourite moments in the A -Level maths and further maths courses are those when the application of an idea suddenly becomes clear.

When he’s not helping students achieve their ambitions and solving challenging mechanics problems, Ian can usually be found playing rugby or racing sailboats.

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UNRIVALLED CHOICE

We offer more than 36 A-level subjects, enabling students to choose a combination that best fits their strengths, interests, and future aspirations.

A-level Subjects