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Physics

A level and Applied

Physics

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: AQA

Do you wonder how motorcycles can race round sharp corners at an angle without tipping over?

Do you know your electrons from your muons?

Then A level Physics will help you find answers to these, and many more scientific questions. Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy.

In Physics, you’ll study topics you’ll know from GCSE, such as materials, electricity, mechanics and waves in more detail and in a more mathematical way. The nuclear world takes centre stage with new modules in particle physics, gravitational fields, quantum physics and radioactivity, as well as mechanics and engineering. You’ll become an excellent problem solver and scientific thinker, deft at working with numbers and calculations.

We strongly recommend that you study Physics with A Level Mathematics, A Level Further Mathematics or A Level Statistics, as these are essential for most physical science or engineering-based degree courses.

Module 1: Foundations in Physics

Module 2: Electricity

Module 3: Principles of Mechanics

Module 4: Material Physics

Module 5: Waves and Quantum Physics

Module 6: Elementary Particle Physics

Module 7: Advanced Particle Physics

Module 8: Fields and its Applications

Module 9: Further Mechanics

Module 10: Nuclear Physics

Module 11: Engineering Physics

Module 12: Practical Endorsement

A level Physics is an exciting and heavyweight course that opens up huge opportunities for a future in science. Many Physics students progress to university, and into careers such as: NHS medical physicist, development engineer, microwave metrologist, automation tester, graduate engineer (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical), clinical scientist, data analyst, nuclear engineer, telecommunications researcher, astronomer, nanotechnologist, radiation protection practitioner, sound engineer, metallurgist, geophysicist and architect.

6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3.

Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language, grades 7,6 in Combined Science; GCSE score of 4.8 or above OR Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language, Grade 6 in Physics and Grade 6 in either Chemistry or Biology; GCSE score of 4.8 or above.

N.B. We don’t accept Science (Applied).

  • Work experience at Sir Robert McAlpine
  • Trip to CERN in Geneva
  • Work on the Maker Challenge with Imperial College
  • Enter the Physics Olympiad
  • Visit to a university for a Physics subject insight day, including practical sessions in the undergraduate laboratories
  • Ex-students talk about their successful progression to higher education and career pathways.

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

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Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

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Saturday, October 18 · 10am – 2pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2026.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing sixth form college with a 98% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

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Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

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What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

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