Physics

What will be taught?

Physics GCSE courses changed in September 2006 and this course is one of the new suite of exams that are part of a new initiative in science teaching.  As well as the subject matter usually associated with GCSE Physics, the new science course involves the study of 'how science works'.  This is a different approach to science that is delivered in the context of the content of Physics 1, Physics 2 and Physics 3.  The course progresses from key stage 3 to the foundation of A-level.

Over the fourth and fifth years the subjects studied include:

Physics 1

Energy and electricity

Light and the spectrum

Radioactivity

The universe

Physics 2

Forces and motion

Electricity

Further radioactivity

Fission and fusion

Physics 3

Moments

Circular motion

Sound

Further electricity

Stars

 

How will it be taught?

The course is run on 4 periods a week.  These are normally taught as double periods and the pupils will see their teacher twice a week.  The course follows on from the Physics course of the first three years (key stage 3) and uses a similar style of a mixture of practical work and more formal lessons.

 

How will it be examined?

The GCSE in Physics involves an examination in each of the subject areas Physics 1, Physics 2, and Physics 3 and these, allied to the practical assessment contribute 25% each to the final mark.  It is anticipated that module 1 will be examined at the end of the fourth year and that there will be an opportunity to retake this paper, if necessary, at the end of the fifth year.  The practical is designed to be completed completely within class time and there are 2 tasks that will need to be submitted to the board to complete the GCSE.