Physics

The GCSE Course

We follow the AQA syllabus, preparing the majority of our science pupils to take GCSE Physics or as part of GCSE Science A and GCSE Additional Science (Double Award).

Currently, the course is modular, with pupils sitting examinations across the Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth years. However, starting in September 2012 all GCSEs will become terminal, so our pupils will sit examinations at the end of the Upper Fifth year. In addition, all pupils will work through one or two Investigative Skills Assignments (ISA), focusing on the practical skills needed in the study of Physics.

The course is split into 3 modules: P1, P2 and P3. We loosely follow the exam board's recommended sequence, but prefer to use our own carefully constructed schemes of work based on our experience of which topics link well together. This enables our students to develop a more logical approach in their learning of Physics, by applying new knowledge to topics that they have recently covered.

Pupils begin the GCSE course in the 4th Form (Year 9) and have 3 lessons per week, consisting of one single lesson and one double lesson.

Fourth Form  (Year 9)

Pupils cover the majority of the P1 material in the fourth form, but there is also some P2 material included in our scheme of work. The topics covered are: Static Electricity, Waves and Wave Phenomenen, Sound, the Electromagnetic Spectrum, Current Electricity, Energy Transfers, Heat Transfers, Energy, Energy Resources, Electrical Energy and Red Shift.

There is also a field trip each year in conjuction with the Biology and Geography departments, in which pupils can explore the energy transfers of objects rolling down Devil's Dyke or participate in some rocket science.

 

Lower Fifth (Year 10)

Pupils will find themselves setted based on their abilities Summer Exam from the
Fourth Form.  This allows groups to move at a pace which is appropriate to them.

Much of the P2 syllabus is covered in the Lower Fifth and the pupils also sit their first external examination in the current system, by sitting P1 at the end of the year. The pupils will also have their first attempt at an ISA during their Lower Fifth year.

The topics covered are: Motion, Electricity, Mains Electricity, Radioactivity, Forces, Energy Equations, Momentum and Nuclear Fission and Fusion.

Upper Fifth (Year 11)

With exam results for every pupil, we reset across Science, allowing later
developing Scientists to move into sets which challenge them appropriately. It
also allows us to have smaller numbers in our lower sets, giving greater support
to the weaker pupils.

Pupils have two new exams to take this year; P2 in January and P3 in June, as well as the opportunity to retake their P1 exam in June. They also cover the material required for the P3 examination during the first two terms of the year.

There is also the opportunity to improve on their ISA scores.

The topics covered in the Upper Fifth are: Moments, Circular Motion, Satellites, Refraction and Lenses, Ultrasound, Electromagnetism and Stars.