Physics

GCSE

We divide the course into TOPICS in much the same way we have done in the Upper Fourth. At the end of each topic is an END OF TOPIC TEST which allows your teacher and the Head of Physics to monitor your progress; it also allows you to see how you are progressing in relation to other pupils both in your class and in other classes.

The TOPICS are not of equal length, major ones take longer than minor ones.

In the LOWER FIFTH we study

  • FORCES AND MOTION (1) (major)
  • ELECTRICITY (major)
  • WAVES, SOUND AND LIGHT (major)
  • EARTH IN SPACE (minor)

Before the mocks in December in the UPPER FIFTH we study

  • ELECTROMAGNETISM (major)
  • CONTROL IN CIRCUITS (major)

After the mocks we study

  • RADIOACTIVITY (minor)
  • ENERGY RESOURCES (minor)
  • HEAT TRANSFER (minor)
  • FORCES AND MOTION (2) (minor)

ASSESSMENT

INTERNAL

  • LOWER FIFTH
    • Four end of topic tests and a two hour examination
    • In June Substantial progress on Internal assessment of practical work
  • UPPER FIFTH
    • Two end of topic tests
    • Mock Examination of 2 hours and 15 minutes
    • Four end of topic tests after the Mock
    • Completion of Internal Assessment of Practical work by end of January.

EXTERNAL

  • A written examination in June of Upper Fifth with a maximum of 80 %
  • The internal assessment of practical work with a maximum of 20 %

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICAL WORK

You have already been introduced to the way the G.C.S.E scheme operates through your practical work in Upper Fourth so you have a head start if you choose Physics for G.C.S.E.

Investigation work is divided into four categories :

  • Planning (8)
  • Obtaining (8)
  • Analysing (8)
  • Evaluating (6)

The numbers in brackets representing the maximum mark your teacher can give you on each category on each occasion your work is assessed.

You will need to complete a minimum of one whole investigation but can submit two if this improves your grade

A Level

Physics is a very popular option in the Sixth Form, studied in a wide combination of options.

Entry Policy

We would like all students to obtain at least a grade A in Maths and Physics (or Dual Award) at GCSE. We will consider students with a grade B or even a C, if Physics is essential for careers prospects, or if Physics represents one of the student’s best chances of A level success.

Considerations

Modern Physics courses allow access to the subject without undue reliance on Maths; for those studying Maths the traditional interaction of the two subjects is stressed and success in one undoubtedly aids success in the other. However, for those who study the three sciences, for example, the fact that they do not study Maths does not hinder progress as students can always obtain individual help when appropriate.

Experimentation

Physics is a practical subject and we at St. Bede’s set a high store by the amount of experimental work carried out by our students. Experimental work is done individually or in groups of two or more students as the situation requires .These are supplemented by teacher demonstrations, computer simulations and video recordings as appropriate. We are able to increasingly use data capture.

Assessment of experimental skills will be by internal assessment and will prove to be a natural continuum from GCSE assessment of practical skills.

Assessment for AS Level

  • Unit 1 Forces and Motion 30%
  • Unit 2 Electrons and Protons 30%
  • Unit 3 Waves 20%
  • Experimental Skills 20%

The step up from GCSE to AS level is not a daunting one as there is a great deal of overlap between the two courses. This is largely due to the fact that the new AS assumes success in the Dual Award Science course, which does not cover as much Physics as our own GCSE Physics course. Lower sixth students have found GCSE has given them a firm foundation upon which to build for AS success.

Each of the topics listed, builds from a major GCSE topic. Do not be put off by the Electrons and Photons title; it is a unit, which like the others builds from a GCSE topic (Current Electricity) but which gives students for the first time, an insight into the real nature of the subject.

A2

For those who opt to go on to A2, their marks from AS are carried forward and added to the marks obtained in the next three units.

  • (% given of the A2 component)
  • Unit 4 Fields, Forces and Energy 30%
  • Unit 5 Nuclear and Particle Physics 30%
  • Unit 6 Overarching exam on the whole course 20%
  • Internal assessment of practical skills 20%

Support and Resources

The department will supply a Student Guide to each topic. Students will sit departmental tests in addition to the regular assessment provided by their teachers. There will be departmental mocks on all units which will be set in class time at the end of the respective unit.

The department is well resourced and we continue to develop our expertise in exploiting ICT to complement our traditional teaching methods.