Should I take physics? Is it hard? That’s what a lot of students ask. Physics is known for its many complicated and confusing formulae, and its difficult and abstract concepts, hence making it the killer subject of many. It was undoubtedly my killer subject. So should you take it? Let me share my honest review of A Level Physics.
What can I expect?
Okay before I say anything, if your dream course requires you to take physics, take it. It’s not worth giving up a dream because you don’t want to take an A Level subject. Physics may be hard, but it’s definitely doable. For me personally, I found the jump between high school and A Levels very big. For example, in high school, the formulae you learn are what you use. Just sub in all your variables and you’re good to go. But at A Levels, you’re expected to know how to manipulate the formulae into the forms you need. One of them that sticks out in my mind is mgh/t, you can group h/t together into speed to give mgv. But don’t worry too much, you will come across many common methods so you’ll eventually get used to it. With such a big jump, don’t expect to get the hang of it ASAP (if you can though keep it up), it may be difficult at first but I promise it will get better. At AS, my friend and I both got 2 grades above our semester exam. So, for physics, expect to put in the usual hard work and effort, but also time.
How many papers are there?
At AS, there’s Paper 1, 2 and 3.
- Paper 1: 40 MCQ questions, 1 hour
- Paper 2: Structured questions, 1 hour 15 minutes
- Paper 3: Practical paper, 2 hours
At A2, there’s Paper 4 and 5
- Paper 4: Structured questions, 2 hours
- Paper 5: Written practical, 1 hour 15 minutes
How’s the workload?
As all A Level subjects, there’s quite some work to do, but for me Physics wasn’t the subject that took the most time. Compared to my other subjects, I’d say the workload is moderate. Mostly you’ll be doing lots of past papers or practice questions because these questions aren’t straightforward, so they can help you become more flexible in thinking. Memorisation wise, there is a little for the sections on medical physics and telecommunication. Overall you just need lots of practice as the questions do tend to be tricky but also quite repetitive.
What’s the practical paper like?
Physics has the easiest practical papers! (At least I think so) For Paper 3 question 1, as long as you manage to plot a straight line you’re A-okay. For question 2, don’t freak out about weird results, they’re supposed to be like that. Make sure you know lots of the improvement methods, (your lecturer will teach you this) the last part is a great place to score marks! For Paper 5, it’s also relatively easy compared to other sciences. Question 1 requires lots of practice so you can get familiar with the apparatus. Question 2 is an uncertainty question. Make sure you know the uncertainty formulae by heart so you can answer confidently. Oh, but make sure you remember the uncertainties of the apparatuses from AS! In my exam they didn’t give us the uncertainty for the stopwatch! #panic. And here’s a bonus tip : When you draw the worst and best line in question 2, draw one darker and one lighter so they’re easier to differentiate.
How’s the jump from AS to A2?
Honestly, it felt as big as the jump from high school to AS. So same thing, put in your hard work, effort and time. Though at A2, time is quite limited. You might wanna try doing topical past papers as you revise to help you.
There was a period where I was seriously considering dropping physics. In the beginning I found it so hard. I told my mom but she said a bump in the road isn’t a good enough reason to drop it. So I hung in there and I’m glad I did. Out of all the sciences, I scored the highest in physics at AS. If you are taking physics and finding it hard, I totally get it. It feels like once you get a question right, you get the next one wrong. I’ve been there. Trust me though, this is temporary. Give your self time to adjust and keep working hard, you will get better! If you are planning to take physics, don’t let seniors’ stories freak you out okay? Physics is doable! All the best and may the mass times acceleration be with you 🙂
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