Physics
Studying Physics at the Senior School explains how and why things move and looks at the forces and processes of our world and beyond.
KS4 (Years 10 and 11): IGCSE
Year 10 and 11 students follow the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (9-1) Physics (4PH1) course. The main areas of assessment are forces and motion, electricity, waves, energy resources and energy transfers, solids, liquids and gases, magnetism and electromagnetism, radioactivity and particles, astrophysics.
What will I learn?
This is a 2-year course of study in the Science of How and Why Things Work in the world around us. It is a single-tier qualification that is suitable both for students for whom it is a final Science qualification and for those students who require a sound foundation for further study of Physics at A-level.
The aims of the course are
-
To impart a systematic body of scientific knowledge and the skills needed to apply this in new and changing situations in many domestic, industrial and environmental contexts.
-
To foster an appreciation of the practical nature of Physics and develop experimental and investigative skills based on correct and safe laboratory techniques.
-
To develop an appreciation of the importance of accurate experimental work in scientific methods and reporting.
-
To formulate hypotheses and design experiments to test them.
-
To evaluate, in terms of scientific knowledge and understanding, the benefits and drawbacks (including social, environmental and economic) of scientific and technological developments.
Curriculum Content
There are two written papers, one of 2 hours and the other of 1 hour 15 minutes.
What sort of homework will I be set?
You will be set a variety of homework tasks including practice questions, lab reports, past paper questions and textbook exercises.
Sixth Form: International AS and A level
Edexcel Physics International AS and A level XPH11/YPH11
The Advanced Level Physics course aims and objectives are to enable students to develop:
- essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Physics and how they relate to each other
- a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
their interest in and enthusiasm for Physics, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with Physics.
Curriculum Content
The course covers the major topics in physics, including mechanics, materials, waves, electricity, fields, thermodynamics, radiation, particles, oscillations and cosmology.
Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of physics by applying the concepts in this course to a range of different problems that include a variety of contexts. Problems will require the application of mathematical skills. Learners will also develop their practical skills. The course includes at least 16 core practical activities.
How is the course assessed?
At the end of Year 12, students sit three written papers, two of 1 hour 30 minutes and the third of 1 hour 20 minutes.
At the end of Year 13, students sit a further three written papers, two of 1 hour 45 minutes and the third of 1 hour 20 minutes for the IAL qualification.
What are the GCSE requirements for this course?
Students wishing to study Physics in the Sixth form need the following:
-
IGCSE Physics with a grade of 6; preferably 8-9 at IGCSE. Students entering with a 6 may find the course challenging.
-
IGCSE Maths grade A or above
It is recommended that students should also take A Level Maths if they wish to study A Level Physics.
Future Career Choices
This course prepares you for University courses such as Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Astrophysics, and careers such as Meteorology, Physics Research, Education, Geophysics, Data Analysis, System Analyst, Software Developer, and many more.
