Vacancies Admissions

Physics

 

"All science is either physics or stamp collecting. There is no science in this world like physics. Nothing comes close to the precision with which physics enables you to understand the world around you"

Neil deGrasse Tyson

 

Course Summary

Physics is about how things work, from the nano-scale to the cosmic - super massive black holes and galaxies within the universe. You will learn about forces in mechanics, waves, electrons and protons, gravitational, electrical and magnetic fields.  You will investigate nuclear energy and apply the fundamental principles you have learnt to solve real problems.  Practical investigations will be conducted in the Physics laboratory in addition to learning theoretical Physics.

Progress will be checked via homework and testing, each week.

Students are expected to bring together the principles and concepts from different areas of physics and apply them in a particular context which may be unfamiliar to them. High standards of work are essential. Students are expected to express their ideas clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.

Content is in six modules:

  • Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
  • Module 2: Foundations in physics
  • Module 3: Forces and motion
  • Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons
  • Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics
  • Module 6: Particles and medical physics

Assessment

Students are assessed through three examined components (exams) and a Practical Endorsement component.

Examined Components:

Component 1: Assesses conteExamined Componentsnt from modules 1,2, 3 and 5

Component 2: Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6

Component 3: Assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)

Practical Assessment:

This is a separate component that assesses practical skills and is reported separately from the overall grade.

 

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

We run an enrichment club that focuses on different engineering projects. This year it has been our rocket club.

Recently the department held a successful ‘Science Week’ that involved all year groups, with our Year 12 and 13 students helping with the implementation and planning. This included a series of lessons that explored Forensic Science.

 

Exam Board

OCR A Level Physics:  Course Code: 7408

Course specificaiton

 

Reading and Resources

A level Physics for OCR   Pub: Oxford University Press   ISBN: 9780198 352181

We recommend that the students should have a copy, but it is available free of charge on our science website www.kerboodle.com

Advanced Physics for You Pub: Oxford University Press   ISBN:9780748752966

This is available in school for students who would like a copy.