Physics is the science which governs the actions of ourselves and the world around us. To understand Physics is to understand how and why the world exists as it does, and as such it is a subject which requires imagination and thought, as well as scientific and mathematical ability. From the most far reaching questions based on our existence and our position in space and time, to the most basic questions, we encourage ‘blue sky’ thinking in every sense – indeed, why is the sky blue? Your experience at GCSE has hopefully encouraged an inquisitive and insightful view of the physical world. At AS and then A2, we build on and develop that knowledge so that you can start to truly understand both the everyday – and not so everyday – actions and reactions you see, feel and read about.
DEPARTMENTAL ENTRY POLICY - AS LEVEL
We would like students to obtain at least grade A in Maths and Physics (or Dual Award) at GCSE, but we do consider students with a grade B or even C if Physics is essential for career prospects, or if Physics represents one of the student’s best chances of A level success.
CONSIDERATIONS
It is important to realise the when considering your choice of A levels that 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; 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 use Data Capture more often as our resources increase.
Assessment of experimental skills will be by Internal Assessment and will prove to be a natural continuum from G.C.S.E. assessment of practical skills.
ASSESSMENT FOR AS LEVEL.
Module 1 Mechanics 30%
Module 2 Electrons, Waves and Photons 50%
Module 3 Experimental Skills 20%
The step up from GCSE to AS level is NOT a daunting one since there is a great deal of overlap between the two courses. Each of the topics above builds from a major GCSE topic; do not be put off by the Electrons and Photons title; it is a Module, which like the others builds from a GCSE topic (Current Electricity, but which gives students, perhaps for the first time, an insight into the real nature of the subject.)
A2
For those who opt to go on to A2, i.e. for a ‘full A level’, their marks from AS are carried forward and added to the marks obtained in the next three modules. (% given of the A2 component.)
Module 4 The Newtonian world 30%
Module 5 Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics 50%
Module 6 Experimental Skills 20%
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
Students will be excellently supported by Physics staff and will sit Departmental Tests in addition to the regular assessment provided by their teachers. There will Departmental Mocks on all Modules set in class time at the end of each Module .
The Department is well resourced and we continue to develop our expertise in exploiting Information Technology to complement our traditional teaching methods.
For further information, please contact Mrs Catherine Aspinall, Head of Physics.