Science
Vision:
All students are able to build on their knowledge, making informed decisions and being able to ask valid questions leading to a love of understanding about ourselves and the world.
Our curriculum is implemented through a carefully sequenced programme enabling students to apply their subject knowledge through a breadth of subjects which will be assessed at regular opportunities enabling all students to make progress.
All students are able to build on their knowledge, making informed decisions and being able to ask valid questions leading to a love of understanding about ourselves and the world.
Our curriculum is implemented through a carefully sequenced programme enabling students to apply their subject knowledge through a breadth of subjects which will be assessed at regular opportunities enabling all students to make progress.
The science faculty is a dedicated team of 13 subject specialists with a wide range of scientific backgrounds and experiences. With our diverse skills and love of our subject, we hope to inspire and enthuse students to see the wonder in the world around them.
The sequence of learning from Year 7 to Year 11 was designed by collaboration of several schools to ensure a wide and varied curriculum was taught to all students, not just targeted towards GCSE specifications. Our science curriculum is designed to introduce pupils to the fundamental core scientific concepts, providing a solid foundation of knowledge which is built upon.
Our aim is to enable the mastery of key concepts required at the end of a 5-year program and topics are sequenced to allow us time to focus our attention to practical skills and experiences.
Each 6-week cycle includes mid-cycle assessment points focusing on application of knowledge. At the end of each cycle, pupils complete an end-of-cycle assessment comprised of exam-style questions to assess knowledge recall, application and analysis. Time is devoted within that cycle frame to enable students to address misconceptions and gaps in knowledge before moving forward.
KS3 Curriculum content
In Key Stage 3, students follow a scheme of work based on the Kerboodle ‘Activate’ scheme. The three science subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in 21 modules over two and a half years. Practical work is at the heart of what we do in science and students are assessed each module on the key scientific skills of planning, obtaining and recording data, analysing data and evaluating scientific methods. Summative assessments at the end of each module allow progress through the course to be monitored.
The sequence of lessons can be seen in more detail in our Curriculum composites and components.
The sequence of learning from Year 7 to Year 11 was designed by collaboration of several schools to ensure a wide and varied curriculum was taught to all students, not just targeted towards GCSE specifications. Our science curriculum is designed to introduce pupils to the fundamental core scientific concepts, providing a solid foundation of knowledge which is built upon.
Our aim is to enable the mastery of key concepts required at the end of a 5-year program and topics are sequenced to allow us time to focus our attention to practical skills and experiences.
Each 6-week cycle includes mid-cycle assessment points focusing on application of knowledge. At the end of each cycle, pupils complete an end-of-cycle assessment comprised of exam-style questions to assess knowledge recall, application and analysis. Time is devoted within that cycle frame to enable students to address misconceptions and gaps in knowledge before moving forward.
KS3 Curriculum content
In Key Stage 3, students follow a scheme of work based on the Kerboodle ‘Activate’ scheme. The three science subjects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught in 21 modules over two and a half years. Practical work is at the heart of what we do in science and students are assessed each module on the key scientific skills of planning, obtaining and recording data, analysing data and evaluating scientific methods. Summative assessments at the end of each module allow progress through the course to be monitored.
The sequence of lessons can be seen in more detail in our Curriculum composites and components.
Term |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
1 & 2 |
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3 & 4 |
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5 & 6 |
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GCSE curriculum content (KS4)
Science GCSE begins in the second half of year 9 with all students studying the first modules of AQA Combined Science: Trilogy. In Year 10 students can then opt for Triple Science or continue with Combined Science. Both qualifications are linear, which means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course (Year 11.)
Triple science delivers three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will study each subject in modules for 7.5 hours per week (15 hours over 2 weeks.) This course is aimed at high achieving students who wish to progress to A-level sciences and who have been recommended by their teachers as suitable candidates.
Science route map:
Science GCSE begins in the second half of year 9 with all students studying the first modules of AQA Combined Science: Trilogy. In Year 10 students can then opt for Triple Science or continue with Combined Science. Both qualifications are linear, which means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course (Year 11.)
Triple science delivers three separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students will study each subject in modules for 7.5 hours per week (15 hours over 2 weeks.) This course is aimed at high achieving students who wish to progress to A-level sciences and who have been recommended by their teachers as suitable candidates.
Science route map:
The new suite of GCSE Science qualifications has a much larger focus on practical skills. There are three interconnected, but separate reasons for doing practical work in schools, which are:
1. To support and consolidate scientific concepts (knowledge and understanding).
2. To develop investigative skills.
3. To build and master practical skills.
By focusing on the reasons for carrying out a particular practical, students gain a better understanding of the subject matter, develop the skills of a scientist and master the manipulative skills required for further study or jobs in STEM subjects. Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the practical activities. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification. Many of the questions will also focus on investigative skills and how well students can apply what they know to practical situations.
Topic summary
1. To support and consolidate scientific concepts (knowledge and understanding).
2. To develop investigative skills.
3. To build and master practical skills.
By focusing on the reasons for carrying out a particular practical, students gain a better understanding of the subject matter, develop the skills of a scientist and master the manipulative skills required for further study or jobs in STEM subjects. Questions in the written exams will draw on the knowledge and understanding students have gained by carrying out the practical activities. These questions will count for at least 15% of the overall marks for the qualification. Many of the questions will also focus on investigative skills and how well students can apply what they know to practical situations.
Topic summary
Biology topics |
Chemistry Topics |
Physics Comments |
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Further information:
Triple Science GCSE content can be found at http://www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/triplescience and more specific information on our AQA Science course at http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
The course:
The BTEC National in Applied Science offers a vocational qualification that focuses on the application of science, which reflects aspects of employment within science organisations or organisations that use science. Units within the qualification cover areas of laboratory science, scientific procedures and skills, biological, chemical and physical science to provide a route to employment in the science industry it is designed for learners who are interested in learning about the sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in applied science. This qualification offers an approach which is different to A Level qualifications in science and will appeal to you if you prefer portfolio-based assessment alongside final exams, covering a variety of scientific investigations. The course does, however, require you to be self-motivated and very well organised as regular assignments are set throughout the two-year course! At the end of Year 13 you will be awarded with a grade which will be a Pass, Merit or Distinction. BTEC Nationals are recognised by Universities as a Level 3 course, and grades convert into UCAS points equivalent to one A Level.
There are 2 mandatory units covered in year 1:
In year 2 the final mandatory unit is completed along with an option unit:
Assessment:
There are 2 externally set exams which account for 58% of the qualification
Paper 1: The principles and Applications of Science I - 1.5 hours.
Paper 2: Science Investigation skills - 2 hours
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 6 or above in Science and level 6 in Maths and English
What can I do afterwards?
An Applied Science degree, jobs within the science industry or Access Courses to Medical Sciences.
Subject Biology (Salters-Nuffield) A Level
Entry requirement A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Additional Science or Biology and in English & Maths
Brief course description
Mark had a stroke when he was 15 years old. Peter suffered a heart attack as an adult. What are the factors which make it more likely that any of us will suffer from a stroke or heart attack? Claire and Nathan are trying to decide whether they should have a child even though Claire’s mother had cystic fibrosis (CF). What are the symptoms and effects of CF? What treatments are available if their child does have CF?
If you are interested in the answers to these questions, then SNAB is for you. It is a new approach for post-16 students in which you will study biology through real-life contexts linked to the rapid advances in biological research. Accompanying the course is an exclusive dedicated website.
Areas to be covered in Year 12
Four topics make up the AS course, ‘Lifestyle, health and risk’, ‘Genes and health’, ‘The voice of the genome’ and ‘Biodiversity and natural resources’. A number of issues are discussed during these four topics including cardiovascular disease, genetic inheritance, the roles of stem cells and the use of chemical extracts from animals and plants.
Areas to be covered in Year 13
Four topics make up the A Level course, ‘On the wild side’, ‘Infection, immunity and forensics’, ‘Run for your life’ and ‘Grey matter’. A number of issues are discussed during these four topics including extinction of species, the evolutionary battles that take place between invading pathogens and their hosts, muscle physiology and performance, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
What can I do afterwards?
An A Level in Biology is seen as a real achievement. This will take you onto university courses, including the top universities, for all degree courses including medicine. Indeed, universities want the independent, motivated learners SNAB provides!
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: Chemistry (OCR Chemistry A)
The course:
Chemistry is the study of how the elements and their compounds behave. In this course you will develop essential knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemical concepts, as well as a variety of areas of chemistry, and you will get to grips with how these relate to each other. You will also develop a deeper appreciation of how chemistry plays a major role in providing the comfortable modern lifestyle we appreciate and how it contributes to the success of the economy and to society more broadly.
Chemistry is a practical subject and the development of practical skills is fundamental to understanding the nature of chemistry. Our Chemistry course gives learners many opportunities to develop the fundamental skills needed to collect and analyse empirical data. Skills in planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating will be assessed in the written papers.
The six modules below cover exciting areas of chemistry that you will find interesting, enjoyable and challenging.
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
Assessment:
There are 3 papers with different weightings:
Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry worth 37% - 2 hours 15 minutes.
Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques worth 37% - 2 hours 15 minutes.
Paper 3: Unified chemistry worth 26% - 1 hour 30 minutes.
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9A*s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Chemistry or 2 grades 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Core and Additional Science and in English & Maths
What can I do afterwards?
This course is an excellent foundation (and indeed essential) for further study of chemistry, chemical engineering, medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, physiotherapy and related subjects such as pharmacy, pharmacology and biomedical sciences. It is also highly recommended for other sciences. This course also provides a valuable education if you take chemistry no further but wish to pursue a career in, for example, finance, publishing, and law. To find out more about careers open to those with a qualification in Chemistry try: www.rsc.org/Education/SchoolStudents/FAQsCareers.asp
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care
The course:
With the demographics in the UK changing rapidly and the population living longer, the health and social care sectors will experience huge growth over the next few years; health and social services are an integral part of society offering a wide range of advice and help to all individuals throughout their lives. This course allows you to develop a variety of skills and knowledge about how Health, Early Years Care, Education and Social Care Services work, the issues around them and how they deliver quality care to service users. This new qualification offers you a broad and in-depth foundation for either the modern workplace or further studies. BTEC Nationals are recognised by Universities as a Level 3 course, and grades convert into UCAS points equivalent to one A Level.
The Level 3 qualification involves the completion and production of coursework as well as 3 externally assessed units. Students will produce portfolios of evidence for a series of unit topics building up a number of course credits. There are 2 mandatory units covered in year 1 and in year 2 the final mandatory unit is completed along with an option unit.
Assessment:
There are 3 externally set exams which account for 58% of the qualification
Paper 1: Human Lifespan and Development.
Paper 2: Working in Health and Social Care
Paper 3: Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs which must include a minimum of grade 4 in Science and English
What can I do afterwards?
An Applied Science degree, jobs within the science industry or Access Courses to Medical Sciences.
What can I do afterwards?
Skills developed as part of the course are considered to be transferable skills that would be essential in the workplace or further study. Skills and knowledge you develop would therefore be useful in a range of health and social care careers including degree courses in midwifery or nursing or alternatively finding employment in a range of caring services such as nurseries or residential homes.
A-Level Psychology
The Course:
Psychology is the academic study of human mind and behaviour. Psychological research and theory seeks to offer explanations for how we think, feel and behave in a variety of contexts. You will study a range of modules that will widen your knowledge and understanding of the human mind and society. Some of the modules from year 1 offered are:
Social influence – you will study why people conform in particular situations.
Attachment – you learn about the critical sensitive period and the impact attachment has on an individual’s development.
Memory – you will explore the different types of memory and a range of models.
Psychopathology – you will develop your knowledge of mental health and explore a range of psychological disorders.
What skills will I gain from studying this subject?
Psychology is a varied and interesting subject because it develops your understanding of key contemporary issues as well as developing your knowledge of areas such as methodology and scientific evaluation.
You will gain skills such as:
• Evaluation
• Analytical skills
• Presenting and justifying an argument
• Research skills
• Methodological/scientific skills
Assessment:
A-Level Psychology will involve 2 years of teaching and learning assessed in three 2 hours examinations taken at the end of the course. Examinations will be a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and essay questions.
Why take this A-Level?
Psychology allows you to develop a range of skills and qualities that are transferable to a variety of careers including teaching, management, sport, social work and careers in healthcare. If you pursue psychology further there are a range of options available to you including research or becoming an applied clinical, educational, forensic or health psychologist.
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: Physics (AQA Physics)
The course:
Physics is the study of nature; it aims to understand particles, energy, forces and fields on both the smallest and largest scales, from the interaction of the smallest particles yet discovered to the way the Universe has evolved since the beginning of time. Physics is fundamentally an experimental subject and we begin by studying how Physicists make careful measurements, using a range of physics instruments, which we will then analyse and evaluate by considering errors. We then move onto wave and particle behaviour and see that in fact on the smallest scales things behave like nothing we know of at the everyday scale. We’ll consider the behaviour of projectiles, and the relationships between force, motion and energy, electric circuits and the behaviour of materials in depth. In year 2 we will investigate the interactions between massive bodies and see the similarities to the world of the very small. We will also look at electromagnetism, allowing us to view the world as consisting of fields with which particles can interact, and how these concepts are used to build machines. The earlier study of mechanics is further advanced in the study of circular motion and simple harmonic motion and a final section allows the thermal properties of materials, the properties and nature of ideal gases and molecular kinetic theory to be studied in depth. Students will also choose one optional unit to study:
Assessment:
There are 3 papers with different weightings:
Paper 1: Year 1 topics and Periodic motion (Year 2) worth 34% - 2 hours
Paper 2: The remaining Year 2 topics worth 34% - 2 hours
Paper 3: Practical skills & data analysis and the Option topic worth 32% - 2 hours
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Physics or 2 grades 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Core and Additional Science and in English & Maths
Why take this A level?
This course is an excellent foundation (and indeed essential) for further study of Physics, astrophysics, a whole range of engineering degrees, medical physics and medicine. The problem solving skills you will develop in Physics could lead to careers in all sorts of areas such as research and development, design, sustainable energy, telecommunications, meteorology, law, finance, media technology, computer gaming design, transport and education. It is also highly recommended for other science degrees and maths.
Triple Science GCSE content can be found at http://www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk/triplescience and more specific information on our AQA Science course at http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
The course:
The BTEC National in Applied Science offers a vocational qualification that focuses on the application of science, which reflects aspects of employment within science organisations or organisations that use science. Units within the qualification cover areas of laboratory science, scientific procedures and skills, biological, chemical and physical science to provide a route to employment in the science industry it is designed for learners who are interested in learning about the sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in applied science. This qualification offers an approach which is different to A Level qualifications in science and will appeal to you if you prefer portfolio-based assessment alongside final exams, covering a variety of scientific investigations. The course does, however, require you to be self-motivated and very well organised as regular assignments are set throughout the two-year course! At the end of Year 13 you will be awarded with a grade which will be a Pass, Merit or Distinction. BTEC Nationals are recognised by Universities as a Level 3 course, and grades convert into UCAS points equivalent to one A Level.
There are 2 mandatory units covered in year 1:
- The principles and Applications of Science I
- Science Investigation skills.
In year 2 the final mandatory unit is completed along with an option unit:
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
Assessment:
There are 2 externally set exams which account for 58% of the qualification
Paper 1: The principles and Applications of Science I - 1.5 hours.
Paper 2: Science Investigation skills - 2 hours
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 6 or above in Science and level 6 in Maths and English
What can I do afterwards?
An Applied Science degree, jobs within the science industry or Access Courses to Medical Sciences.
Subject Biology (Salters-Nuffield) A Level
Entry requirement A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Additional Science or Biology and in English & Maths
Brief course description
Mark had a stroke when he was 15 years old. Peter suffered a heart attack as an adult. What are the factors which make it more likely that any of us will suffer from a stroke or heart attack? Claire and Nathan are trying to decide whether they should have a child even though Claire’s mother had cystic fibrosis (CF). What are the symptoms and effects of CF? What treatments are available if their child does have CF?
If you are interested in the answers to these questions, then SNAB is for you. It is a new approach for post-16 students in which you will study biology through real-life contexts linked to the rapid advances in biological research. Accompanying the course is an exclusive dedicated website.
Areas to be covered in Year 12
Four topics make up the AS course, ‘Lifestyle, health and risk’, ‘Genes and health’, ‘The voice of the genome’ and ‘Biodiversity and natural resources’. A number of issues are discussed during these four topics including cardiovascular disease, genetic inheritance, the roles of stem cells and the use of chemical extracts from animals and plants.
Areas to be covered in Year 13
Four topics make up the A Level course, ‘On the wild side’, ‘Infection, immunity and forensics’, ‘Run for your life’ and ‘Grey matter’. A number of issues are discussed during these four topics including extinction of species, the evolutionary battles that take place between invading pathogens and their hosts, muscle physiology and performance, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
What can I do afterwards?
An A Level in Biology is seen as a real achievement. This will take you onto university courses, including the top universities, for all degree courses including medicine. Indeed, universities want the independent, motivated learners SNAB provides!
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: Chemistry (OCR Chemistry A)
The course:
Chemistry is the study of how the elements and their compounds behave. In this course you will develop essential knowledge and understanding of fundamental chemical concepts, as well as a variety of areas of chemistry, and you will get to grips with how these relate to each other. You will also develop a deeper appreciation of how chemistry plays a major role in providing the comfortable modern lifestyle we appreciate and how it contributes to the success of the economy and to society more broadly.
Chemistry is a practical subject and the development of practical skills is fundamental to understanding the nature of chemistry. Our Chemistry course gives learners many opportunities to develop the fundamental skills needed to collect and analyse empirical data. Skills in planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating will be assessed in the written papers.
The six modules below cover exciting areas of chemistry that you will find interesting, enjoyable and challenging.
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry
Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry
Module 3 – Periodic table and energy
Module 4 – Core organic chemistry
Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements
Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis
Assessment:
There are 3 papers with different weightings:
Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry worth 37% - 2 hours 15 minutes.
Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques worth 37% - 2 hours 15 minutes.
Paper 3: Unified chemistry worth 26% - 1 hour 30 minutes.
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9A*s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Chemistry or 2 grades 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Core and Additional Science and in English & Maths
What can I do afterwards?
This course is an excellent foundation (and indeed essential) for further study of chemistry, chemical engineering, medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, physiotherapy and related subjects such as pharmacy, pharmacology and biomedical sciences. It is also highly recommended for other sciences. This course also provides a valuable education if you take chemistry no further but wish to pursue a career in, for example, finance, publishing, and law. To find out more about careers open to those with a qualification in Chemistry try: www.rsc.org/Education/SchoolStudents/FAQsCareers.asp
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care
The course:
With the demographics in the UK changing rapidly and the population living longer, the health and social care sectors will experience huge growth over the next few years; health and social services are an integral part of society offering a wide range of advice and help to all individuals throughout their lives. This course allows you to develop a variety of skills and knowledge about how Health, Early Years Care, Education and Social Care Services work, the issues around them and how they deliver quality care to service users. This new qualification offers you a broad and in-depth foundation for either the modern workplace or further studies. BTEC Nationals are recognised by Universities as a Level 3 course, and grades convert into UCAS points equivalent to one A Level.
The Level 3 qualification involves the completion and production of coursework as well as 3 externally assessed units. Students will produce portfolios of evidence for a series of unit topics building up a number of course credits. There are 2 mandatory units covered in year 1 and in year 2 the final mandatory unit is completed along with an option unit.
Assessment:
There are 3 externally set exams which account for 58% of the qualification
Paper 1: Human Lifespan and Development.
Paper 2: Working in Health and Social Care
Paper 3: Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs which must include a minimum of grade 4 in Science and English
What can I do afterwards?
An Applied Science degree, jobs within the science industry or Access Courses to Medical Sciences.
What can I do afterwards?
Skills developed as part of the course are considered to be transferable skills that would be essential in the workplace or further study. Skills and knowledge you develop would therefore be useful in a range of health and social care careers including degree courses in midwifery or nursing or alternatively finding employment in a range of caring services such as nurseries or residential homes.
A-Level Psychology
The Course:
Psychology is the academic study of human mind and behaviour. Psychological research and theory seeks to offer explanations for how we think, feel and behave in a variety of contexts. You will study a range of modules that will widen your knowledge and understanding of the human mind and society. Some of the modules from year 1 offered are:
Social influence – you will study why people conform in particular situations.
Attachment – you learn about the critical sensitive period and the impact attachment has on an individual’s development.
Memory – you will explore the different types of memory and a range of models.
Psychopathology – you will develop your knowledge of mental health and explore a range of psychological disorders.
What skills will I gain from studying this subject?
Psychology is a varied and interesting subject because it develops your understanding of key contemporary issues as well as developing your knowledge of areas such as methodology and scientific evaluation.
You will gain skills such as:
• Evaluation
• Analytical skills
• Presenting and justifying an argument
• Research skills
• Methodological/scientific skills
Assessment:
A-Level Psychology will involve 2 years of teaching and learning assessed in three 2 hours examinations taken at the end of the course. Examinations will be a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and essay questions.
Why take this A-Level?
Psychology allows you to develop a range of skills and qualities that are transferable to a variety of careers including teaching, management, sport, social work and careers in healthcare. If you pursue psychology further there are a range of options available to you including research or becoming an applied clinical, educational, forensic or health psychologist.
A-LEVEL SCIENCES: Physics (AQA Physics)
The course:
Physics is the study of nature; it aims to understand particles, energy, forces and fields on both the smallest and largest scales, from the interaction of the smallest particles yet discovered to the way the Universe has evolved since the beginning of time. Physics is fundamentally an experimental subject and we begin by studying how Physicists make careful measurements, using a range of physics instruments, which we will then analyse and evaluate by considering errors. We then move onto wave and particle behaviour and see that in fact on the smallest scales things behave like nothing we know of at the everyday scale. We’ll consider the behaviour of projectiles, and the relationships between force, motion and energy, electric circuits and the behaviour of materials in depth. In year 2 we will investigate the interactions between massive bodies and see the similarities to the world of the very small. We will also look at electromagnetism, allowing us to view the world as consisting of fields with which particles can interact, and how these concepts are used to build machines. The earlier study of mechanics is further advanced in the study of circular motion and simple harmonic motion and a final section allows the thermal properties of materials, the properties and nature of ideal gases and molecular kinetic theory to be studied in depth. Students will also choose one optional unit to study:
- Astrophysics
- Medical physics
- Engineering physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics
Assessment:
There are 3 papers with different weightings:
Paper 1: Year 1 topics and Periodic motion (Year 2) worth 34% - 2 hours
Paper 2: The remaining Year 2 topics worth 34% - 2 hours
Paper 3: Practical skills & data analysis and the Option topic worth 32% - 2 hours
Specific Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 9s - 4 GCSEs with specifically grade 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Physics or 2 grades 9, 8, 7 or 6 in Core and Additional Science and in English & Maths
Why take this A level?
This course is an excellent foundation (and indeed essential) for further study of Physics, astrophysics, a whole range of engineering degrees, medical physics and medicine. The problem solving skills you will develop in Physics could lead to careers in all sorts of areas such as research and development, design, sustainable energy, telecommunications, meteorology, law, finance, media technology, computer gaming design, transport and education. It is also highly recommended for other science degrees and maths.
Further information:
Further information:
KS5 Curriculum content
Post-16 courses include OCR Chemistry and OCR Advancing Physics, whilst Biology courses include Edexcel Salters – Nuffield Advanced Biology and BTEC National in Applied Science.
Further information:
Further information:
Recommended Reading and Revision guides:
Recommended Reading and Revision guides:Textbooks
AQA GCSE Biology Student Book (Triple science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835937-1
AQA GCSE Chemistry Science Student Book (Triple science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835938-8
AQA GCSE Physics Student Book (Triple science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835939-5
AQA GCSE Biology Student Book (Double science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835926-5
AQA GCSE Chemistry Science Student Book (Double science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835927-2
AQA GCSE Physics Student Book (Double science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835928-9
Revision guides
GCSE Biology AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Triple science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-583-3
GCSE Chemistry AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Triple science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-584-0
GCSE Physics AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Triple science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-585-7
GCSE Biology AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Double science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-586-4
GCSE Chemistry AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Double science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-587-1
GCSE Physics AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Double science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-588-8
AQA GCSE Biology Student Book (Triple science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835937-1
AQA GCSE Chemistry Science Student Book (Triple science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835938-8
AQA GCSE Physics Student Book (Triple science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835939-5
AQA GCSE Biology Student Book (Double science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835926-5
AQA GCSE Chemistry Science Student Book (Double science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835927-2
AQA GCSE Physics Student Book (Double science)
Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 978-0-19-835928-9
Revision guides
GCSE Biology AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Triple science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-583-3
GCSE Chemistry AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Triple science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-584-0
GCSE Physics AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Triple science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-585-7
GCSE Biology AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Double science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-586-4
GCSE Chemistry AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Double science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-587-1
GCSE Physics AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Double science)
Publisher: CGP ISBN: 978-1-78294-588-8
