Callum Farnsworth : Head of Physics
A Level Physics
6 in Physics or 6,7 in Combined Science, 6 in Maths
Do you enjoy independent problem solving and working things out for yourself? Do you enjoy practical science and want to learn how to use advanced scientific equipment like oscilloscopes, lasers and radioactive materials? Do you enjoy thinking about the big questions of life, time and the universe? Then Physics is for you! Physics is all about the fundamental laws which govern how the world works. Through careful experimentation, research and analysis you will come to understand these laws, and in doing so enhance your appreciation of the world around you.
Physics A-Level is an excellent preparation for a broad range of higher education study. Many students follow this course with a physics related degree. The course also has clear links with a range of other subjects which are popular degree courses such as mathematics, medicine, computing, engineering (electronics, mechanical) and architecture. Other students find the skills and knowledge gained from the A-level physics course useful when pursuing degree courses or careers in other areas including business, finance and management.
12 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Physics Students carry out experiments throughout the A Level course, working towards achieving their “Practical Endorsement” – a separate qualification from the A Level | Builds on “working scientifically” skills students will have developed throughout KS3 and KS3 |
Module 2: Foundations of Physics A short unit to prepare students to study the key concepts in physics. Focuses on units, uncertainties and quantities (scalars and vectors). | Builds on KS4 work on scalars and vectors. | |
Module 3: Forces and Motion The first topic, Forces, covers kinematics, rotational forces and pressure. The second topic, Materials and Energy, covers energy stores, elastic materials and deformation. The final topic focuses on Momentum. | Builds on the GCSE Forces and Energy topics. | |
Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons The first topic, Electricity, covers circuits, Kirchhoff’s laws, resistivity and internal resistance. The second topic, Waves, covers refraction, polarisation, interference and quantum physics. | Builds on the GCSE Electricity and Waves topics. | |
13 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Physics Students carry out experiments throughout the A Level course, working towards achieving their “Practical Endorsement” – a separate qualification from the A Level | Builds on “working scientifically” skills students will have developed throughout KS3 and KS3 |
Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics The first topic, Thermal Physics, covers specific heat capacity and ideal gases. The second topic focuses on Simple Harmonic Motion. The third topic, Space, covers gravitational fields, Kepler’s laws, stars, the big bang and cosmology. | Builds on the GCSE Particle Model of Matter and Space topics, as well as some A Level Module 3 material. | |
Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics The first topic, Electric Fields, covers capacitors, fields and potential. The second topic, Magnetic Fields, covers the motor effect and induction. The third topic, Particle Physics, covers radioactivity, nuclear physics and the Standard Model. The final topic focuses on Medical Physics. | Builds on GCSE Atomic Structure and Magnetism topics, as well as some A Level Module 4 material. |
Throughout the course, students work towards their Practical Endorsement by completing assessed practical activities (there are approximately 25 of these throughout the course, time allowing). Students must demonstrate their competency in key practical skills to achieve their Practical Endorsement.
Students complete a keystone assessment at the end of each sub topic (the sub topics that are described above). Keystone assessments provide good practise for more formalised assessments. Mock assessments will take place in December of Year 12, June of Year 12, and February of Year 13.
Ensure they are completing the homework set in every double lesson.
Encourage them to revise previous content. The course has a lot of content, so there is very little time to revise in class. Therefore, students needs to be regularly reviewing the previous learning to during independent study time to ensure it is not forgotten.
At the end of every double lesson students are given homework to complete, usually a set of problems or past paper questions based on what was learnt in the lesson. Students complete this in their independent study time, as well as:
Students can enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of Physics by completing the following activities:
Each subject is also part of our ‘Super-curricular’ initiative, which aims to develop your wider understanding of academic subjects and support your learning – more information can be found here.
Students have the opportunity to visit CERN, Geneva at the start of the Year 13, allowing them to experience the cutting-edge of physics research. This trip allows students to see first-hand the areas of quantum and nuclear physics they will learn about in class, as well as showing students the breadth of future careers in physics.
Cambourne Sixth Form
Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne
Cambridge CB23 6FR
Tel: 01954 284000
Email: info@cambournesixthform.org
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