KS4 Physics

KS4 Trilogy: Physics

In Years 10 and 11, pupils studying the AQA Science Trilogy course will have lessons in all three of the science disciplines; Chemistry, Physics and Biology. Pupils that complete the course successfully will receive two GCSEs, these will be awarded with a number grade with a 9-9 for the course being the pinnacle of achievement. Pupils are assessed by exams at the end of the two years. There is no coursework element to the assessment however pupils are required to complete 21 practical experiments elements of which will be tested during the final examinations.

Trilogy: Physics

Year 10

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Electricity

Particle model recap

Atomic model recap

Waves

Magnetism

Electromagnetism

Forces and motion

Year 11

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Forces and motion

Waves recap

Electromagnetism recap

Final Examination Preparation

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.

KS4 Separates: Physics

Pupils that have chosen to do separate science will study Physics as a standalone subject. The course is assessed by examination at the end of the two years. There is no coursework however there are 10 required practical experiments, knowledge of which will be tested during the final exams. There is a greater emphasis on mathematical skills, pupils will be expected to recall different equations and to rearrange them to solve problems.

Year 10

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Electricity

Particle model recap

Atomic model recap

Waves

Magnetism

Electromagnetism

Forces and motion

Year 11 

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

Forces and motion

Energy revision

Electricity revision

Exam practice

Waves revision

Electromagnetism revision

Space revision

Final Examination Preparation

Exams

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.

KS5 Physics

We follow the OCR H556 syllabus. The course is designed to integrate a wide range of practical based work that must be completed throughout the course to develop the scientific competencies that are expected of a young scientist preparing for university. Pupils are expected to keep detailed records of all experiments that they complete to evidence the development of their practical skills.

Physics A is a content-led approach. A flexible approach where the specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of physics. As students progress through the course they will build on their knowledge of the laws of Physics, applying their understanding to solve problems on topics ranging from sub-atomic particles to the entire universe. For A level only, the Practical Endorsement will also support the development of practical skills.

Year 12

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination

2.1 Physical quantities and units

2.2 Making measurements and analysing data

2.3 Nature of quantities

3.1 Motion

3.2 Forces in action

3.3 Work, energy and power

3.4 Materials

3.5 Newton’s laws of motion and momentum

4.1 Charge and current

4.2 Energy, power and resistance

4.3 Electrical circuits

4.4 Waves

4.5 Quantum physics

5.1 Thermal physics

 

5.2 Circular motion

 

5.3 Oscillations

5.4 Gravitational fields

Year 13

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3

6.1 Capacitors

 

6.2 Electric fields

 

6.3 Electromagnetism

6.4 Nuclear and particle physics

5.5 Astrophysics and cosmology

6.5 Medical imaging

Exams

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the Physics course. It encompasses a wide range of activities including; past paper questions, marking papers, highlighting nuances of the exam board mark schemes, learning definitions, investigating how scientific ideas have been developed, background reading and explaining physical phenomenon in extended essay tasks.

Other Useful Information

AS/A-LEVEL specification link: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-physics-a-H156-H556-from-2015/

AS/A-LEVEL past papers link: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-physics-a-h158-h558/ (Please note these are legacy papers and there are some differences in the syllabus)

5 ways I can help my child

1 Ensure that they complete their homework

2

Ensure that they know when assessments are taking place and are doing the necessary revision for them

3

Ensure that they use their PLCs (personal learning checklists) in order to self-check what they have covered in the specification
4 Ensure that they use their PLCs when revising

5

Ensure that they are using the AQA website to download, and complete, as many past papers as possible