Years 10 & 11 – IGCSE Physics (0625)

This course can be taken only with IGCSE Biology and Chemistry.
(Cambridge International Examinations syllabus code 0625)
For more details of our IGCSE course please click on this link.
www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/igcse/subject?assdef_id=879

Year 10 students at CRGS begin the two year IGCSE physics course which is examined at the end of Year 11.  Cambridge IGCSE Physics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of physics. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including:

- Confidence in a technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
- An understanding of how scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue to develop, as a result of groups and individuals working together
- An understanding that the study and practice of science are affected and limited by social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural factors
- An awareness that the application of science in everyday life may be both helpful and harmful to the individual, the community and the environment
- Knowledge that science overcomes national boundaries and that the language of science, used correctly and thoroughly, is universal
- An understanding of the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and its application in other subjects and in everyday life
- A concern for accuracy and precision
- An understanding of the importance of safe practice
- Improved awareness of the importance of objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
- An interest in, and care for, the environment
- An excellent foundation for advanced study in pure sciences, in applied science or in science-dependent vocational courses.

Physics lessons make use of ICT facilities, practical work, demonstrations and discussion. The content and style of delivery forms a firm foundation from which to study the subject at A level. Physics is a useful option for students wishing to pursue careers in physics, engineering, medicine and environmental science.

A-Level Course (AQA B AS 5456, A2 6456)

This course is designed to provide a smooth transition from GCSE Physics or Double Science to advanced study. It is designed to develop practical and investigative skills, provide scientific training and encourage the use of information technology. Discussions enable topics as diverse as 'Black Holes', 'Quarks' and 'Chaos Theory' to be explored.

It is essential that those hoping to succeed in A-level Physics should have obtained good passes in GCSE Science/Physics and Mathematics. It is desirable that Mathematics is taken alongside A-level Physics.

AS-Level Course

Unit 1: Foundation Physics (12.5%)
This unit is assessed using short-answer and structured questions.

Unit 2: Waves and Nuclear Physics (17.5%)
This unit is assessed using short-answer and structured questions.

Unit 3: Practical Exam (15%)
This unit is assessed by three questions:

1. A planning exercise - half hour
2. Observations and processing a small data set - half hour
3. A longer task involving a series of measurements, repeats, graph(s) for a relationship test.

A2-Level Course

Unit 4: Further Physics (15%)
This unit is assessed using structured questions

Unit 5: Fields (20%)
This is the synoptic unit. It is assessed using structured questions and also includes a comprehension question.

Unit 6: Practical Exam (15%)
The practical exam consists of two questions totalling three hours:

1. A "traditional" practical question
2. An open-ended task

Beyond A-level

Physics graduates are employed in a wide range of industries, e.g. engineering, medical areas such as optics and medical physics, in meteorology, computing, materials development, the aerospace industry, telecommunications, energy industries, environmental protection, geophysics, alternative energy such as solar and wind power, noise control and transport engineering.