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Physics

Albert Einstein said that, “Imagination is more important than knowledge”.  What subject can stimulate the imagination more than the science that covers everything from structures smaller than an atom, to the vastness of the universe itself? Not only does Physics kindle an appreciation for abstract processes, but it also enhances a student’s ability to solve practical problems. While it is fascinating to learn how the movement of unseen electrons can have such visibly significant effects, it is also vital that students acquire the logical skills needed to address issues like the electrical energy demands of our society. Progress in Physics leads to increased confidence in problem solving and the skills learnt in this subject can be applied to many other subject areas.

Enrichment

Three weekly, extra-curricular Physics sessions are run throughout the year. Two of these are designed to support students who find the theory covered in class, or as home learning, somewhat challenging. The other session is for students who would like to learn more about the topics covered in their course, including aspects that go beyond the requirements of formal course specifications

Trips and Events

Trips to Physics conferences and activities as part of Science week are planned and administered annually.

Subject Leader: Mr B Lionnet (blionnet@fortpitt.medway.sch.uk)

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3

A course tailored to enhance enthusiasm and interest in Physics. This course also provides a foundation for the GCSE course by covering the fundamental topics in Physics.

Year 7

  • Topic P1.1 Forces
  • Topic P1.2 Sound
  • Topic P1.3 Light

Year 8

  • Topic P2.1 Electricity and Magnetism
  • Topic P2.2 Energy
  • Topic P2.3 Momentum and Pressure

Summary of Assessment

No public examinations are written at Key Stage 3 and students complete regular assessments throughout the year.  Knowledge of key facts is assessed through fifteen-minute written quizzes.  Deeper understanding and problem-solving ability is assessed through home learning tasks and four written tests (including an end-of-year exam) that contain exam-style questions.

Key Stage 4 – GCSE (9-1) Physics

Exam board: (Edexcel)

This course covers all the fundamental theory in the field of Physics. It provides a good foundation for the study of A-level Physics.  Edexcel is also the A-level exam board ensuring the smoothest transition from GCSE to A-level.

Year 9

  • Topic 1 Key Concepts in Physics
  • Topic 3 Conservation of Energy
  • Topic 4 Waves
  • Topic 5 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Topic 6 Radioactivity

Year 10

  • Topic 2 Motion and Forces
  • Topic 7 Astronomy
  • Topic 8 Forces doing Work
  • Topic 9 Forces and their Effects
  • Topic 10 Electricity and Circuits

Year 11

  • Topic 11 Electrostatics
  • Topic 12 Magnetism and the Motor Effect
  • Topic 13 Electromagnetic Induction
  • Topic 14 The Particle Model
  • Topic 15 Forces and Matter

Summary of Assessment

At Key Stage 4 students complete two public GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11.

Physics Paper 1

50% of GCSE level.       1 hour 45 minutes (100 marks).

  • Topic 1 to Topic 7.

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Physics Paper 2

50% of GCSE.       1 hour 45 minutes (100 marks).

  • Topic 1.
  • Topic 8 to Topic 15.

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

There is no coursework, or controlled assessment component, in the Physics GCSE course. Students carry out eight Core Practical activities in class. These are not graded by the school or the examination board; however, exam questions in Paper 1 and Paper 2 above will assess the skills that are covered by the eight Core Practical activities.

Key Stage 5 – A Level Physics

Exam board: Edexcel

A-level Physics is essential for careers in the branches of engineering, electronics, astronomy, medical imaging, nuclear medicine, scientific research and development.  Students may choose Physics because it is highly regarded by universities as evidence of proficient problem-solving ability and skillful application of logical thought.  Good grades in Physics show academic prowess and are a good enhancement to employment résumés.

Year 12

  • Topic 1 Working as a Physicist
  • Topic 2 Mechanics
  • Topic 3 Electric Circuits
  • Topic 4 Materials
  • Topic 5 Waves and the Particle Nature of Light

Year 13

  • Topic 6 Further Mechanics
  • Topic 7 Electric and Magnetic Fields
  • Topic 8 Nuclear and Particle Physics
  • Topic 9 Thermodynamics
  • Topic 10 Space
  • Topic 11 Nuclear Radiation
  • Topic 12 Gravitational Fields
  • Topic 13 Oscillations

Summary of Assessment

Paper 1: Advanced Physics I

30% of A level.       1 hour 45 minutes (90 marks).

  • Working as a Physicist
  • Mechanics
  • Electric Circuits
  • Further Mechanics
  • Electric and Magnetic Fields
  • Nuclear and Particle Physics

Paper 2: Advanced Physics II

30% of A level.       1 hour 45 minutes (90 marks).

  • Working as a Physicist
  • Materials
  • Waves and Particle Nature of Light
  • Thermodynamics
  • Space
  • Nuclear Radiation
  • Gravitational Fields
  • Oscillations

Paper 3: General & Practical Principles

40% of A level.   2 hours 30 minutes (120 marks).

All the above topics are covered.

Science Practical Endorsement

Students complete twelve Core Practicals which are assessed by the physics department of Fort Pitt.  Although the reports are not graded, students need to be awarded a pass by completing the activities successfully, and there will be questions on the examination papers about these practicals, as well as other practical techniques and theories.