Physics at A level, but no Maths?

[Sybill]

DS is going into sixth form - on track for 7/8/9 across the board and is definitely planning on doing Biology and Geography for A level. From looking at entry requirements for some uni courses, it looks like an extra science subject would be helpful in keeping options open (he doesn’t know what he wants to do at uni yet but more likely to be science-y than humanity). Could do Chemistry but it’s a really tough A level and not sure if it’s his strongest. He does really well at Physics, always gets 8/9 and does enjoy it, but then he’d be doing it without Maths - that’s a really bad idea at A-level, right? He doesn’t like Maths enough to replace Bio or Geography with it. His current plan is either Psychology or Economics as a third, but that will knock out potential uni options that require 2 science subjects. Anyone done Physics without Maths, and it worked out ok? Will ask at school when he’s back, just want to think about it a bit first!

I am a physics teacher. Most students do maths a level alongside it but by no means all. Those that don't might need some extra support in some parts of the course but the maths isn't really that hard.

There will be more multistep calculations, but all the individual steps are quite simple.

There will be a decent amount of trigonometry, but not really beyond GCSE level.

There are parts of the course that use logs and exponentials.

Not really any calculus to speak of.

Basically it will be a bit harder without maths, but if they get a good GCSE maths grade it should be doable.

Another option is a bit of private tuition if they felt they needed a bit of extra support.

@clary it was actually Leeds that we looked at - there were a few variations of a particular course that he thought he might be interested in and some accepted geo and psych (amongst others) as sciences, whereas other courses specified the 3 sciences + maths. And yes, I thought it was unusual too and asked him about it and he said he likes the conceptual parts of physics, rather than the mechanics parts. His physics teacher always said he was a “natural physicist” to be fair!
And thanks again to all, especially @Winter41 - great to get a teachers perspective. He usually gets decent Maths results so will see next week

Ah OK sorry I was looking at biology-specific courses tbf so I guess there is variance depending on the course. Which is fair enough ofc.

Would the exam boards all be similar @Winter41 ? His sixth form use AQA, I think

I did A level Physics with only AS maths.

The maths in A level physics is not hard, they give you all the formulas and it’s only basic multiplication/division/powers.

The problem is that you can’t do anything physics related at degree level without maths so then a level is a bit pointless. It’s better to pick an a level you can use and might be easier.

Chemistry and physics are very maths based so I would recommend maths. My daughter has just got her A’level results so I have some experience based on her and also her friends. Good luck to your son!