Sixth Form Physics
The Science department vision is to spark passion in our students for Science in the way that the universe works and how life is developed and maintained. Students should be leaving lessons feeling inspired by new knowledge that links them to everyday life and the future.
We teach three different disciplines which require broad substantive knowledge and deep disciplinary knowledge in Biology, Physics and Chemistry which varies from topic to topic. We anticipate all students maturing to devise insightful and key links between topics not just intra-disciplinary, but interdisciplinary. A successful curriculum has not only the capacity to build young scientists who can make links, but to inspire students to take those links even further. Students should be able to challenge both previous and current ideas and produce well-informed discussions as part of their learning to show a fluency in the language that science is. We strive to encourage students to continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings and ultimately intend on making young scientists out of every student.
Course Details
A Level Physics A – H556, OCR
Specification – https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171726-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-physics-a-h556.pdf
Course Description
Our A Level in Physics A, enables students to build on their knowledge of the laws of physics, applying their understanding to solve problems on topics ranging from subatomic particles to the entire universe. They also have the opportunity to develop all the relevant practical skills.
Programme of Study
The following topics are studied in A level Physics:
Module 1: Development of Practical Skills
This unit includes the practical endorsement and is worked on throughout the two years of the course.
Year 12
Module 2: Foundations in Physics
- Quantities and Units
- Derived Units
- Scalar and Vector Quantities
- Adding Vectors
- Resolving Vectors
- More on Vectors
Module 3: Forces and Motion
- Motion
- Forces in Action
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Materials
- Laws of Motion and Momentum
Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons
- Charge and Current
- Energy, Power and Resistance
- Electrical Circuits
- Waves 1
- Waves 2
- Quantum Physics
Year 13
Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics
- Thermal Physics
- Ideal Gases
- Circular Motion
- Oscillations
- Gravitational Fields
- Stars
- Cosmology
Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics
- Capacitance
- Electric Fields
- Magnetic Fields
- Particle Physics
- Radioactivity
- Nuclear Physics
- Medical Imaging
Assessment
Modelling Physics Exam (01)
- 100 marks
- 2 hours 15 minutes
- 37% of overall A level
- Assesses content from modules 1,2,3 and 5
Exploring Science Exam (02)
- 100 marks
- 2 hours 15 minutes
- 37% of overall A level
- Assesses content from modules 1,2,4 and 6
Unified Physics (03)
- 70 marks
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 26% of overall A level
- Assesses content from all modules (1-6)
Practical Endorsement in Physics (04)
- Non-exam assessment
All components include synoptic assessment.
Students must complete all components (01, 02, 03, and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Physics A.
Home Learning
Students are provided with regular extra reading and home learning tasks to consolidate their learning and exam questions to check understanding and progress as well as give ample opportunity to practise for the examinations and allow useful revision.
Where can Physics take you
Science can not only lead you down a broad range of careers and further study but it can lead you into lifelong passions and hobbies. Science is an absolute key player in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects. Whilst people follow science careers because they feel like they have an affinity for science, or an ambition, or just pure interest in the sciences, it is common knowledge that the careers are some of the top paying and most respectable in the world, whether to be an Engineer, a Researcher, or a vital role in the NHS.
Further Study
Degrees in:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Research
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Applied Science
- and many more…
Careers
- Medicine
- Research
- Mechanical engineering
- Working in industries such as MBDA and GSK
How can parents support their child’s learning
Parents can encourage their children to study and read outside of the lessons to both embellish and consolidate their learning.
Parents can regularly check Google classroom to check homework and any other notices, and should also be reading the Parentmail sent out each week for any key information.
Parents can also encourage their children to complete extra revision at home and ensure students are equipped with pens, pencils, rulers and calculators for every science lesson as a minimum.
Useful Links
Textbooks
- Keith Jones, Advanced Physics for You – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Advanced-Physics-You/dp/1408527375/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
- Gurinda Chadha, OCR A Level Physics A Revision Guide – co.uk/OCR-Level-Physics-Revision-Guide/dp/0198352204/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1500301155&sr=1-2&keywords=a+level+physics+ocr+A
Revision Guides
- CGP Head start to A Level Physics
- CGP A Level Physics: Essential Maths Skills
- CGP A Level Physics for OCR
All these books are available to purchase from your Physics Teachers
Websites
- General revision website – s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics
- Past Papers and mark schemes – com/past-papers/a-level-physics
- Institute of Physics – org
- Isaac Physics – https://isaacphysics.org/
- Gorilla Physics – http://www.gorillaphysics.com/
- A Level Physics – https://www.alevelphysicsonline.com/
- Seneca Learning – https://www.senecalearning.com/en-GB/
For more information contact Mrs. Armitage, Head of Science, Townsend Church of England School.