Physics
Students are encouraged to understand the processes of Physics and the way the subject develops through experiment, theory, insight and creative thought. The dependence of Physics on good mathematical analysis is emphasised and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely is also essential. Physics is conceptually challenging and we aim to inspire students with a curiosity about the world and its place in the Universe.
Key Stage 3
Prior Learning from KS3
From Year 7 and Year 8 boys have a secure grounding in fundamental physics through studying a course aligned to the full KS3 National Curriculum. In addition, they develop a sound understanding of how to think like a scientist, applying the scientific method and how to plan and carry out investigations. We use this prior knowledge and build upon these principles through our GCSE provision.
Key Stage 4
Year 9
The content in Y9 is deliberately chosen to be relevant to both the AQA Triple (8463) and AQA Combined Science Trilogy (8464) courses. The following topics are studied during the year:
- Basic magnetism
- Energy stores and pathways, energy conservation, efficiency
- Calculations involving energy stores, power and work done
- Renewable and non-renewable means of generating electricity
- The National Grid and domestic electricity
- The particle model of matter and introduction to thermal physics (specific heat capacity) and gas laws
- Fundamental mechanics including speed, velocity, acceleration, graphical analysis, forces and Newton’s Laws, forces and elasticity and Hooke’s Law
These topics provide students with an introduction to many of the key themes in Physics which are applicable whether they are then selected to continue with Separate Sciences or move on to the Trilogy Combined Science course in Year 10.
Year 10
Separate Sciences Route Sets T1-T5 study the AQA Physics (8463) course and follow the Separate Sciences route. The following topics are studied during the year:
- Further mechanics including forces as vectors, momentum, moments, gears
- Pressure in solids, liquids and gases, upthrust and further thermal physics
- Static electricity and electric fields - Current electricity and circuits
- Electromagnetism including the motor effect
These topics build on the content studied in year 9 and include some of the more challenging Separate Science only material.
Combined Science Route
Sets C1-C3 study the AQA Trilogy (8464) course. The following topics are studied during the year:
- Further mechanics including gravity, weight and terminal velocity, work and energy, vectors and momentum
- Current electricity and circuits
- Electromagnetism
These topics build on the content studied in Year 9 with the slightly reduced volume of content on this course allowing more opportunities for consolidation of learning and practice of key principles.
Year 11
Separate Sciences Route
Sets T1-T5 study the AQA Physics (8463) course and follow the Separate Sciences route. The following topics are studied during the year:
- Electromagnetic induction and the generator effect including transformers
- Waves and wave analysis including mechanical and electromagnetic waves
- Atomic and nuclear physics including nuclear decay
- Space
These topics build on the content studied in Year 9 and Year 10, the Year 11 work contains many of the more conceptually demanding aspects of the course. A generous amount of time is provided for guided revision to allow thorough consolidation of the course material prior to GCSE examinations.
Combined Science Route
Sets C1-C3 study the AQA Trilogy (8464) course. The following topics are studied during the year:
- Atomic and nuclear physics including nuclear decay
- Waves and wave analysis including mechanical and electromagnetic waves
These topics build on the content studied in Year 9 and Year 10, the Year 11 work contains many of the more conceptually demanding aspects of the course. A generous amount of time is provided for guided revision to allow thorough consolidation of the course material prior to GCSE examinations
Key Stage 5
Year 12
From the Eduqas specification:
From Component 1:
Basic physics
Kinematics
Dynamics
Energy concepts
Kinetic theory
Thermal physics
From Component 2:
Conduction of electricity
Resistance
D.C. circuits
Capacitance
Solids under stress
Using radiation to investigate stars
From Component 3:
Particles and nuclear structure
Year 13
From Component 1:
Circular motion
Vibrations
From Component 2:
Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
Using radiation to investigate stars
Orbits and the wider universe
From Component 3:
The nature of waves
Wave properties
Refraction of light
Photons Lasers
Nuclear decay
Nuclear energy
Magnetic fields
Electromagnetic induction
The option topic of Energy and the Environment is covered at stages during the course when relevant concepts are studied from other units and then the whole topic is revised in Year 13
Exams & Assessment
GCSE
Examination board: AQA
A-LEVEL
Examination board: Eduqas