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GCSE Physics Years 9, 10 and 11

Specification

AQA GCSE Physics: The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

What will I study?

The GCSE course consists of 8 general areas of study which are taught as ​8 topics over Yr9 to Yr11. You will learn about the world around you and how simple theories help to improve the world around you.

What Skills and Qualities are required?

To be successful at GCSE you need to be hardworking, analytical and resilient. You may not get the answer correct first time of trying but those who persevere will make good progress. You will require imaginative, logical and critical thinking to be able to complete investigative approaches. You will be expected to develop your questioning technique so that you can ask focussed questions to aid the teaching you receive.

How will I learn?

The courses emphasise explanations, theories and modelling in Science along with the implications of Science for society. Strong emphasis is placed on the active involvement of students in the learning process and the specifications encourage a wide range of teaching and learning activities, with particular focus on practical and mathematical skills. You will be provided with home access to an e-book specifically designed with the new examination format in mind as well as having access to traditional textbooks in the classroom.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via a range of means throughout the course. CAT’s will be completed as per the school’s assessment calendar but you will also have weekly homework, quizzes and presentations to complete. You will be expected to actively and sensibly participate in 10 required practical tasks throughout the course.

At the end of the course there will be 2 written examinations worth 100 marks each. These examinations will be made up of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, extended response, mathematical and practical base.

Where could it lead?

GCSE physics naturally leads to A level ​Physics, which is the core A level for Degrees in ​Physics, ​all Engineering courses and Medicine. However, it is also a good supporting GCSE for other A levels such as ​maths and the other sciences.

Additional requirements/information

 

Year 09

  Topic Further details about the topic Skills
Autumn Term
1 Matter

Density of materials

Changes of state

Internal energy

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

2 Matter

Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity

Changes of state and specific latent heat

Particle motion in gases

Pressure in gases

Increasing the pressure of a gas

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

Spring Term
1 Atomic Structure

The structure of an atom

Mass number, atomic number and isotopes

The development of the model of the atom

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations
2 Atomic Structure

Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation

Nuclear equations

Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay

Radioactive contamination

Background radiation

Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes

Uses of nuclear radiation

Nuclear fission

Nuclear fusion

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

Summer Term
1 Energy

Energy stores and systems

Changes in energy

Energy changes in systems

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations
2 Energy

Power

Energy transfers in a system

Efficiency

National and global energy resources

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

Year 10

  Topic Further details about the topic Skills
Autumn Term
1 Electricity

Static charge

Electric fields

Standard circuit diagram symbols

Electrical charge and current

Current, resistance and potential difference

Resistors

Series and parallel circuits

Direct and alternating potential difference

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

2 Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Mains electricity

Power

Energy transfers in everyday appliances

The National Grid

Poles of a magnet

Magnetic fields

Electromagnetism

Fleming's left-hand rule

Induced potential

Uses of the generator effect

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

Spring Term
1 Waves

Transverse and longitudinal waves

Properties of waves

Reflection of waves

Sound waves

Waves for detection and exploration

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations
2 Waves

Types of electromagnetic waves

Properties of electromagnetic waves

Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves

Lenses

Visible light

Emission and absorption of infrared radiation

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

Summer Term
1 Space Physics

Our solar system

The life cycle of a star

Orbital motion, natural and artificial satellites

Red-shift

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

2

Motion

Distance and displacement

Speed, Velocity, Acceleration

Scalar and vector quantities

Contact and non-contact forces

Gravity

Resultant forces

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

Year 11

  Topic Further details about the topic Skills
Autumn Term
1 Forces

Stopping distance

Braking distance

Reaction time

Newton's First Law

Newton's Second Law

Newton's Third Law

Momentum is a property of moving objects

Conservation of momentum

Changes in momentum

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations

2 Forces

Work done and energy transfer

Forces and elasticity

Moments, levers and gears

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations
Spring Term
1 Forces

Pressure in a fluid

Atmospheric pressure

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations
2 Revision

 

Practical work

Literacy – key terms

Equations and calculations
Summer Term
1 Revision

 

Exam skills

Assessments

Resources Topic Type of assessment
CAT 1

Matter

Written Test
CAT 2

Matter, Atomic Structure and Energy

End of year examination
CAT 3

Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity

Written Test
CAT 4 Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity, Electromagnetism Written Test
CAT 5 Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves

End of year examination

CAT 6

Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves, Space Physics

Written Test
CAT 7 All Paper 1 topics - Energy, Matter, Atomic Structure, Electricity Mock examination
CAT 8 All Paper 2 topics - Magnetism, Waves, Space Physics, Forces and Motion Mock examination

Main Resources

Resource Details Term
Text books

AQA Science Physics new GCSE (Oxford University Press)

All
Recommended reading

GCSE Physics AQA revision guide (Oxford University Press)

All
Recommended websites

www.kerboodle.com (all pupils will have a login to this resource)

gcsephysicsonline (login needed ask your Physics teacher)

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463

GCSE BBC Bitesize

isaacphysics.org

Echalk.com

All

Enrichment opportunities

Activity Day and time or term
Year 11 Revision sessions From April
Ogden Trust Physics competition Spring Term of Year 9
IoP Physics competition Summer term of Year 9

Where Next

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