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Original poster

A level physics, how hard is this truthfully?

36 replies

southeastastra · 25/01/2010 12:49

ds is thinking of doing this, ime it's exceptionally hard (well was at o level) what is the A level like?

ds is doing double gcse science atm predicted B

OP posts:
hanaflower · 25/01/2010 13:24

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AuntieMaggie · 25/01/2010 13:23

I did maths and physics A level. Yes they are hard but fit quite well together.

If he wants to do it then I would let him have a shot - if they're anything like my school were they wouldn't let him do it if they didn't think he was capable.

But the fact is most A levels are a jump from GCSE and they're meant to be.

BosomsByTheSea · 25/01/2010 13:20

I got A at GCse physics and found A level really, really hard. Got a C in the end - but I haven't got a 'maths brain'. Those who did found it easier!

Original poster
southeastastra · 25/01/2010 13:19

that's my worry titcy, i've told him to go and talk to his teachers, but they seem to leave so much up to the kids which is quite frustrating.

OP posts:
titchy · 25/01/2010 13:16

I'd have thought if he was only doing double science rather than triple he'd struggle tbh. There are I think (happy to be corrected by secondary teachers!) a couple of extra modules that triple science students do in physics (and the others too obviously) which at AL he'd be expected to have covered.

Original poster
southeastastra · 25/01/2010 13:11

maths is his strongest subject and he really does enjoy it, as well as physics but i wonder how much of a jump it is to a level.

it's so hard he has to pick so early yet there doesn't seem to be another subject he could take instead iykwim.

i think i'm getting a bit neurotic about it of his behalf.

OP posts:
twolittlemonkeys · 25/01/2010 13:09

I agree with Lilymaid. I got a B in double science GCSE and reckon A-level Physics would have been a nightmare. However, at my school they'd only let you do science A-levels if you had done the three separate sciences at GCSE.

BikeRunSki · 25/01/2010 13:08

What Miggsie said. His school may well him to do A level maths too - and if they don't want him too, then he should anyway, or he will find it very hard.

I LOVED school physics, but found it hard. Did the level (in 1989!). It was never my best subject, but I went on to do it at Uni too. Still loved it after that too. IF he can cope with the concepts, and can do the maths, then it shouldn't be that hard, although I do remember needing to put the most time into Physics.

Miggsie · 25/01/2010 13:02

...I did physics A level...back in the days of O levels.
Going from O to A level THEN was hard. So he should expect to put in a lot of work to get up to speed with physics as a pure subject.

On the other hand I really enjoyed it, fascinating subject.

Lilymaid · 25/01/2010 13:01

I think he will find it hard if he "only" gets a B at GCSE Double Science - is he predicted/has he achieved better grades in the Physics modules?
Having said that, DS2 got a B for GCSE Maths and managed to keep up with A Level Maths - because he has had good teachers and small classes.

2fedup · 25/01/2010 12:57

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