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Physics
Student websiteGCSE Course (AQA 4451)
The National Curriculum for Science requires that this course can be taken only with GCSE Biology and Chemistry.
The CRGS Science Department follows a common assessment policy in all sciences to be introduced from September 2006.
The practical element of the course is teacher assessed during normal lessons instead of the old style coursework project and it accounts for 25% of the examination. The assessment can be carried out on several occasions allowing the pupils to show progression. Opportunities will be given for students to make observations, design experiments, make accurate measurements, present data using ICT and appreciate the societal aspects of science.
Written assessment is via three examinations as follows:
- Physics 1: Heat, Electricity and Wave Energy 25% of marks (45mins)
- Physics 2: Motion and Energy Production 25% of marks (45mins)
- Physics 3: Circular Motion, Sound and Electromagnetism 25% of marks (45mins)
Modules 1 and 2 may be taken during years 10/11 and retaken to improve the grades.
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)
Full specificationThis 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:
- A planning exercise - half hour
- Observations and processing a small data set - half hour
- 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:
- A "traditional" practical question
- 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.