What Is Physics?

 

Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other. It concerns the study of everything from sub-atomic particles from which all matter is made, to the structure and eventual fate of the Universe. Much of the technology which we take for granted was only made possible by the discoveries of Physicists. DVDs, CDs, MP3 players, mobile phones, the internet, MRI scanners, X-ray machines, radiotherapy and laser surgery are just some of the developments for which we can thank the application of Physics.

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What Do We Study?
 

Key Stage 3

 

Year 8 – We introduce the study of Energy, Electricity and Electromagnetism.
Year 9 – We study Heat, Motion and Space
Year 10 – We look at Light, Sound and Forces

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GCSE

 

We follow the CCEA GCSE Physics specification.

In Year 11 pupils study Unit 1 which is comprised of the following topics:

- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
- Energy
- Density and Kinetic Theory
- Forces
- Motion

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Pupils will sit an exam at the end of Year 11 worth 37.5% of the overall qualification lasting 1hr 30 mins.

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In Year 12 pupils study Unit 2 which is comprised of the following topics:

- Waves
- Light
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Electromagnetism
- Space Physics

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Unit 2 is examined at the end of Year 12 and is worth 37.5% of the qualification. The exam lasts 1 hr 30 mins.

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Unit 3 consists of a practical assessment carried out in Year 12, worth 7.5%, and a written examination carried out in June of Year 12, worth 17.5%

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Further details may be found at www.ccea.org.uk

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AS/A2 Level

 

We follow the CCEA A Level Physics specifications.

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In Year 13 pupils will study the AS course comprised of three units:

Unit AS 1 - Forces, Energy and Electricity – 1 hr 45 min examination- 40% of the total AS marks, 16% of the total GCE marks.

Unit AS 2 – Waves, Photons and Astronomy - 1 hr 45 min examination- 40% of the total AS marks, 16% of the total GCE marks

Unit AS 3 – Practical Techniques and Data Analysis – a test of practical skills consisting of short experiemental tasks and a seperate paper requiring the analysis of experimental results - 2 (1 hour) components - 20% of the total AS marks, 8% of the total GCE marks.

In Year 14 pupils study the A2 course which is also comprised of three units:

Unit A2 1– Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics – 2 hr examination - 24% of A Level.

Unit A2 2 – Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics - 2 hr examination - 24% of A Level.

Unit A2 3– Practical Techniques and Data Analysis - a test of practical skills, consisting of 2 experimental tests and a seperate paper requiring the analysis of experimental results - 2 (1 hour) components - 12% of A Level.

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Further details may be found at www.ccea.org.uk