Well done!  If you’re reading this, you are considering studying A Level Physics at Heart of England School.

But, let us be clear, while this is a rewarding and valuable subject, it is highly numerate and can be considered one of the more difficult subjects to study.  That said, if you are still intending to study Physics it will help you be prepared if you can complete some of the tasks described here prior to the start of the course in September.

Actions:

1. Sign up to the Institute of Physics:

• http://www.iop.org/education/student/youth_membership/page_41684.html

It is free, and will provide a number of good resources and background information.

Reading List:

• New Scientist
• A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
• A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
• The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking
• Anything by Richard Feynman
• Why does E=MC² (and why should we care)? by Professor Brian Cox and Professor Jeff Forshaw
• Other suggestions can be found at:
  • https://physicsworld.com/a/the-physicists-library/

Watch List:

1. From Ice to Fire:

• • https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b09rzq05/from-ice-to-fire-the-incredible-science-of-temperature

2. The Hubble Space Telescope:

• • https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000hjpw/horizon-2020-hubble-the-wonders-of-space-revealed

3. People of Science:

• • https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p07qf0vz/people-of-science-with-professor-brian-cox

4. The Planets:

• • https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p06qj2l5/the-planets-series-1-1-a-moment-in-the-sun-the-terrestrial-planets

5. Shock and Awe – The Story of Electricity:

• • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtp51eZkwoI

6. The World According to Physics (or anything by Jim Al-Khalili – just do a quick YouTube search):

• • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKrjOD3ZeO0

7. Films:

• • The Martian (2015)
  • Apollo 13 (1995)
  • Moon (2009)
  • Gravity (2013)
  • Interstellar (2014)
  • The Imitation Game (2015)

Useful External Links:

1. Mathematical Skills for A-Level Physics: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/295471-mathematical-skills-handbook.pdf
2. Warrinor Schools booklet: https://www.thewarrinerschool.co.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=1245&type=pdf
3. Pearson transition guide: https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/A%20Level/Physics/2015/teaching-and-learning-materials/transition-guide-physics.pdf
4. CGP Transition Guide: https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/as-and-a-level/science/physics/pbr71-head-start-to-a-level-physics

Downloads

• Transition Booklet