The general consensus is that mathematics is a little easier when compared to A Level Physics. This is because the latter requires more mathematical content than the GCSE level, which can be difficult for students to grasp. However, this line of reasoning can be easily refuted. Firstly, there is no “hard mathematics” at A Level Physics.
Most of the calculus has been removed from the course. Secondly, the percentage of female students taking A Level Mathematics in the UK is more than 40%, disproving the argument that girls are discouraged from physics due to its mathematical content. Mathematics and physics are two of the most challenging subjects available at A Level. Both require logical thinking, decision-making, and problem solving.
In fact, 40% of the marks on your A Level Physics exams come from mathematics alone. This is because it is very difficult to complete the A Level Physics course without A Level Mathematics concepts. At Cambridge University, physical chemistry was basically physics, inorganic chemistry was more like normal chemistry, and organic chemistry was incredibly difficult. A Level Further Maths is also incredibly difficult and requires a big step up from GCSE Maths and A Level Maths. Despite the efforts of many parties, the fraction of female students studying physics at A Level has remained around 20% for two decades. You must have both an aptitude for physics and the ability to work hard if you want to have a chance at A Level Physics.
The topics covered will include nuclear and particle physics, thermodynamics and oscillations. However, studying physics still brings with it some interesting career opportunities. It's easy to assume that physicists care about why the universe exists and how everything works. At university, female students generally outperform male students in Physics when it comes to final results; it's just that there are few to begin with. A Level Psychology is also very similar to GCSE English in terms of writing a lot in a short amount of time. An alternative explanation of the numbers is that schools (especially those led by Katharine Birbalsingh) provide an environment that actively discourages girls from taking an interest in physics by reinforcing gender stereotypes even in schools.
This could be why some schools don't offer A Level Physics in the first place.
