Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in GCSE in Physics OR Combined Science and Mathematics
Exam Board
AQA
Why Choose Physics?
This course will suit any student who wishes to develop their interest and enthusiasm in the physics of all that is around them; it will provide a firm scientific foundation for those wanting to make their mark in the world of science and technology in the future. Studying A-level Physics does not restrict your options, it expands them.
A-level Physics is a mixture of 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. You will learn about everything from kinematics to relativity and many recent developments in fascinating topics, such as particle physics. Getting accurate results from experiments requires practice and competence in the use of lab equipment. Calculations are an important part of A-level Physics and you need to be comfortable with algebra. At the same time descriptive work requires you to communicate clearly. 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.
What is Involved?
Year 1 (Topics 1-5)
- Measurement and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Required practical work
Year 2
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Fields
- Nuclear Physics
- Required practical work
Plus one option topic (Astrophysics or Turning Points in Physics)
Assessment
Three written papers of 2 hours. Paper 1 will assess topics 1-6, paper 2 will assess topics 6-8 and paper 3 will assess the option topic as well as practical skills and data analysis.
examination results
of A-level students achieved grades A*-B
of A-level students achieved grades A*-C
of A-level students achieved grades A*-E
What we've been up to...
Northwest ESAA Track and Field
This week saw some of our Year 9 and 10 athletics’ stars head to the Northwest ESAA Track and Field Championships in Manchester. An extremely successful outing means they are now off to the National Finals in Essex. Well done girls we are very proud of you all.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Trial Expedition 2023
86 WKGS students spent the weekend in Wales completing their trial expedition for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. With such beautiful weather a good time was had by all learning essential skills for survival in the open air!
Spanish Exchange
The Spanish Department resumed 2019’s successful student exchange with our partner secondary school, IES Garcilaso de la Vega a mixed secondary school located in Torrelavega, a town in Cantabria in northern Spain: The Spanish Exchange presents students with a unique opportunity to improve their spoken Spanish and see Spanish daily life at first hand. Students from Calday Grammar School collaborated with us and students were accompanied by teaching staff from West Kirby Grammar School and Calday Grange Grammar School. The Spanish students hosted their English partners and a programme of events was organised during the school day for the visiting students. The students visited Santander, experienced a day at the Altamira Museum, an exact replica of the Altamira Caves with Palaeolithic cave paintings. They took part in a workshop in which they learned how to make and throw spears to hunt deer and bison. This was followed by a visit to Santillana del Mar. During their visit they also visited El Soplao, a site of great geographical importance, and the beautiful Santillana del Mar and the Parque Naturaleza de Carbaceno.
Year 12 North West Regional Forum European Youth Parliament at L
The North West European Forum 2023 is one of the fourteen regional EYP forums which take place in the UK, with many more taking place in other countries. There were a number of debates throughout the day. The forum gave students an opportunity to debate a range of topics affecting young people across Europe. Two schools were selected at this regional forum and to also send a team of eight students over the age of sixteen to either the Summer or Autumn National Selection Conference, held at Liverpool Hope University for a long weekend in July 2023. Big well done to both of our EYP teams who performed at a consistently high standard throughout the debates. Special congratulations to our 2nd team who made it through to the national finals in July!
With one more week to go, we are really looking forward to our first #WKGS PTA Quiz / Fish & Chips Night. Tickets are still available from: ticketsource.co.uk/west-kirby-gra… https://t.co/bsxLFRr7Ko
We are very proud of Mia, Grace, Peggy and Hannah (#WKGSY12) who have made the finals of the Samsung 'Solve for Tomorrow' competition. They have made the last 5 in their age group. We wish them the best of luck for their final pitch which takes place next month. https://t.co/LIrkB9eLik
We are very proud of Mia, Grace, Peggy and Hannah (#WKGSY12) who have made the finals of the Samsung 'Solve for Tomorrow' competition. They have made the last 5 in their age group. We wish them the best of luck for their final pitch which takes place next month. https://t.co/5OJXnqatwU
A photo stop on the Great Wall of China, July 2015 for this week's #ThrowbackThursday https://t.co/Wp4YLzTHlA
We are delighted to announce the release of the second episode of our WKGS Student Podcast. Episode 2 will be live on Friday 28th April and will feature local artist (and former #WKGS student) Michael Aldag. Subscribe to our Student Podcast now at: spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/ogLOQbBw7yb https://t.co/u2O0Brp90O
Congratulations to Mia (#WKGSY12) and her horse MS Mastro who competed in the National Schools Equestrian Association dressage at Kelsall Hill. Mia won her Novice class and has qualified for the National Championships at Hickstead in May. We wish Mia every success. https://t.co/qiK2vL2FmG
Congratulations to Mia (#WKGSY12) and her horse MS Mastro who competed in the National Schools Equestrian Association dressage at Kelsall Hill. Mia won her Novice class and has qualified for the National Championships at Hickstead in May. We wish Mia every success. https://t.co/r3ADJ8ZnP4
A walk to Hilbre Island with German Exchange partners (around 1994) for this week's #ThrowbackThursday https://t.co/dYjHAwt6TU
It's back to 2018 for this week's #ThrowbackThursday for a Student Fashion Show.... https://t.co/uiNwudPObr
Drama visit to Paris
Students from our GCSE Drama group visited Paris to see a theatre production and take part in a Drama workshop. They also had the fantastic opportunity to experience a guided backstage tour of the Opera Garnier, the inspiration for Phantom of the Oprea. The visit included a guided tour of Paris exploring the sights and shops; they saw a production of the Lion King – The Musical at Théâtre Mogador and enjoyed a day in Disneyland Paris.
Wishing our students and staff a happy Easter break. All year groups will return on Monday 17th April which will be a Week A. https://t.co/IbnomcGX4a