There are three Science departments, whose aim is to instil a love of science, to help our pupils see the importance and relevance of science in their world, and ultimately, to inspire them to follow a career in the sciences. We have high expectations of all pupils and, wherever possible, we deliver the curriculum using practical and investigative approaches.
From Year 9 onwards, the material in all three Science subjects is GCSE standard and all lessons are taught by specialist teachers. Lessons contain practicals where appropriate, so experimental and analytical skills can be developed.
Physics is an exciting subject which helps pupils to understand the world and universe around them. It challenges imaginations and introduces concepts that lead to great discoveries and technologies. It stimulates and challenges, and develops skills in mathematical and logical thought.
Edexcel specification for GCSE Physics In Physics, there are 5 overarching areas: Forces and Motion, Energy, Atoms, Waves, and Electricity. In Year 9, the topics are short to provide a foundation for further years. The topics are continued in Years 10 and 11, as part of a ‘spiralling curriculum’. From Year 9 onwards, the material is GCSE standard and all lessons are taught by specialist teachers. The lessons contain practicals when possible so experimental and analytical skills can be developed, as well as the mathematical techniques essential for success in the subject
Pupils sit two papers at the end of Year 11, both 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Each paper is worth 100 marks and 50% of the GCSE.
The SP codes below are consistent with the textbook for the course, ‘Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics’, ISBN 978-1-292-12022-5.
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
SP1: Motion
The speed equation
Distance-time graphs
Vectors
Acceleration
Velocity-time
SP2: Motion and Forces (part 1)
Forces
Newton’s Laws of motion
Mass and weight
Air resistance
SP4: Waves
Wave basics
Refraction
Ears and hearing
Ultrasound
Infrasound
SP3: Conservation of energy (after the end of year exam)
Types of energy
Renewable resources
Non-renewable resources
Efficiency
(no KE or GPE equations)
SP2: Motion and Forces (part 2)
Stopping distances
Momentum
Work and power
Kinetic energy
SP5: Light and the EM Spectrum
Lenses
Ray diagrams
Colour
the EM spectrum
EM uses
EM dangers
SP6 Radioactivity (part 1)
Atomic models
Alpha, beta and gamma
Background
Half-life
Nuclear equations
SP6 Radioactivity (part 2)
Uses and dangers of radioactivity
Radioactivity in medicine
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fusion
SP7: Astronomy
The solar system
Gravity and orbits
Life cycle of stars
Red shift
Origin of the universe
SP8 & SP9: Forces and their effects
Turning moments
Gears
Circular Motion (SP2)
SP10: Electricity (part 1)
Electric current
Series and parallel circuits
Current, resistance and potential difference
Ohm’s Law
Charge and energy
Resistors and lamps
LDRs and diodes
Thermistors
SP10 & SP11: Electricity (part 2)
Power
Transferring energy
Electrical safety
Static
Dangers and uses of static
Electric fields
SP12 & SP13: Magnetism
Magnetic fields
The motor effect
Electromagnetic induction
Transformers
The National Grid
SP14:The Particle model
Density
Changes of state
Latent heat
Specific heat capacity
Energy calculations
Gas temperature, pressure and volume
SP15: Forces and Matter
Elastic behaviour
Hooke’s Law
Spring calculations
Gas and fluid pressure
Upthrust
AQA specification for A Level Physics Physics is a highly regarded and respected subject at A Level. A Level Physics stimulates and challenges while developing skills in logical thought and mathematical rigour, thereby opening the doors to all sorts of courses and careers. The subject is valued by universities who rate it as a core facilitating subject, and it is either required or very helpful for many university degrees. All of the technology that surrounds us is based on the principles of physics, so for those considering working in any area related to technology, studying physics is an essential first step. It is no surprise that those with a background in physics are in demand by many employers.
The course is designed to form strong scientific investigative skills while introducing pupils to the wonderful world of Advanced Physics. Practical work is a key part of the course but there are no controlled assessments. Studying A Level Mathematics is not a requirement, but candidates are advised to study Mathematics if they wish to access the many Physics and Engineering courses at university.
Most people these days have many careers during their working life. Having Physics will allow a clear entry to many existing professions as well as many industries of the future, which will be driven by advanced technology and robotics. Physicists could be designing the technology of the future rather than being replaced by it, and they can expect to be in high demand in future years.
Pupils study six compulsory topics plus a further topic of ‘Turning points in physics’ (Topic 12) which has been selected from a further list of options. Topics 1-8 below are the core elements:
12. Turning points in physics
Paper 1
2 hours written examination
85 marks (60 marks of short and long answers; 25 multiple choice questions)
34% of A Level
Topics 1 to 5 and 6.1 (Periodic Motion) are assessed.
Paper 2
Topics 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8 are assessed.
Paper 3
80 marks
32% of A Level
Section A: 45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis.
Section B: 35 marks of short and long answer questions on Topic 12 (Turning Points in Physics).
Non-examination assessment
12 Core Practical Activities
Assessed internally and recorded as either a Pass or a Fail, reported separately on the exam certificate.
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