Year 7
Physics is taught within a combined Science course. A lot of time is spent doing practical experiments developing the techniques required to use the equipment accurately and safely. The effects of forces are further explored with the role of resistive forces in terminal velocities investigated.
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
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Forces and Motion: Speed, distance and time; how forces affect things, including gravity, weight, friction, air resistance and stress or strain. |
Levers, Moments and Pressure: Levers, the turning effects of forces and their application in machines; pressure and the use of pressure in hydraulics and pneumatics. |
Electricity and Electromagnetism: Static electricity and the forces on charges in electric fields; electrical circuit design and voltage, current and resistance; magnetic fields and electromagnets. |
Year 8
Using the concept of energy students begin to apply the theory to more specific areas of interest. Students look at how heat energy is transferred and learn the difference between heat and temperature. They then go on to look at light as a form of energy and learn of the strange behaviours and phenomenon associated. The opportunity to investigate sound as a form of energy and as an example of a wave brings together two different ideas that allow students to develop their modelling skills.
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
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Energy: Different types of energy, transfers and conservation of energy; energy from food and fuels; conduction, convection, radiation and evaporation; simple energy calculations. |
Waves: Observable waves; light waves, refraction of light and colour; sound and ultrasound; the wave equation. |
Space: Structure of the solar system, galaxies and the universe and how we observe them, the relative motion of planets and moons and how this causes days, seasons and the phases of the moon. |
Homework
A variety of activities are set in Physics. Such as, reflections, research, essays, extended answers, worksheets with physics problems, project work and revision. Homework tasks aim to consolidate learning and reinforce the skills learnt during the lesson. A few tasks may go beyond the lesson content and we encourage students to have a go at these problems as we desire to develop student confidence and resilience and praise is given for the attempt of these challenges.
Year 9
In year 9, we start introducing the key concepts and knowledge that will be revisited and built upon as they progress through their GCSE in years 10 and 11.
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
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Internal energy Energy stores and transfers Efficiency and power Energy resources |
Particle model of matter Density Changes of state |
Atomic structure The structure of an atom Isotopes Radioactivity and half lives |
Homework
Homework is an important part of the learning process. Often the tasks will be designed to consolidate learning and to help them master the problem-solving skills that will be necessary in their final exams and in later life. Research tasks for flipped learning are important as they form the basis of the following lesson and a well prepared piece of homework will hugely enhance the learning and progress that will then take place in the lesson.
It is anticipated that pupils will not be able to do some homework as we continue to increase the level of challenge and demand. This should not be seen as a cause for concern but we would ask that pupils come prior to the next lesson to seek help and guidance. These situations are fantastic learning opportunities and should be highly valued not shied away from as pupils will make great gains as they face their weaknesses and overcome them.
Other Useful Information
There are various study guides and workbooks that pupils can buy. There are also many different websites and phone apps to help with the learning and remembering of the course content. Below are a list of useful resources and websites.
- http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/combined-science-trilogy-8464 This is the link to the AQA website for the Trilogy course. The specification can be found here.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zrkw2hv This is a link to the BBC Science Bitesize. It is useful but it is not directly linked to the AQA Trilogy course so it should not be the only tool used for revision.