Electronics A Level

Board: WJEC Eduqas
Syllabus: A Level

About the subject

Many things are controlled by electronic systems, which all have three main parts. Input sensors, some form of processing power, and output devices (often with feedback). Planes, cars, burglar alarms, heart rate monitors, washing machines, mobile phones etc.

You will need to be interested in designing and then building your own circuits. This will involve using prototype boards but there will be no box building or soldering.

In each topic you will need to learn the electronic theory and develop the ability to apply what you know to your own circuits. Gradually you will develop your skill in producing working and reliable electronic circuits.

20% of the qualification will be based on practical tasks built on prototype boards. Most of these practical tasks will be completed in lesson time under supervision, but writing up the reports will need to be done in study periods

Learning styles

Practical work will take place in about 40% of lessons with students being expected to translate a circuit diagram into a working circuit prototype. Care is taken in the course to show the relevance of circuit theory, with practical reinforcing these concepts. Homework will mainly be in the form of short on-line exercises and near the end of the course relevant past paper questions.

Revision will take the form of structured questions selected from past papers. Revision forms part of the lessons in the lead up to exams.

Students need to be competent with algebra, be able to manipulate equations and to be familiar with using standard form. Students need to be able to communicate clearly the development of practical tasks through written reports.

Subject Combinations and Progression

Electronics stands by itself as a separate subject but there are overlaps with Physics and Computer Science. NO prior knowledge of Electronics is required, but good Mathematical skills and enthusiasm is! This qualification can part support progression to Engineering degrees or apprenticeships.

Subject Modules and Assessment

Component 1 – 2¾ hrs Written Paper 40% Principles of Electronics
Component 2 – 2¾ hrs Written Paper 40% Application of Electronics
Component 3 – Practical Tasks 20%
Task 1 – the development of a microcontroller system programed through assembler language (20 marks)
Task 2 – a substantial system development report including both analogue and digital sub-systems in an integrated circuit design. The circuit will be built, tested and evaluated, but the report carries most marks (50 marks)

Entry requirements

GCSE Science and Additional Science or Double Science grades 5+5 and Mathematics grade 5.? It is not necessary to have studied Electronics before