Physics
Sixth Form
Physics
Course title: AQA GCE A Level Physics (7408)
What are the knowledge and skills that students will gain over Key Stage 5?
Year 12
Mechanics and Materials, Waves, Particles and Radiation, Electricity, Nuclear Physics
Year 13
Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Fields and their Consequences, Option Topic
Students will
- develop their interest in and enthusiasm for physics, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of physics and how they relate to each other
- develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
- understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the physics contribute to the success of the economy and society
- use theories, models and ideas to develop scientific explanations
- carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts
- analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships
- evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence
- know that scientific knowledge and understanding develops over time
- communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology
- consider applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks
Why is it delivered in this way?
The topics are taught in such a way to initially build on topics covered in Key Stage 4 starting with Waves and Mechanics. As well as increased depth of knowledge in these areas students will face increasingly demanding mathematical challenge in applying their understanding of physical phenomena. Subsequent topics include Electricity and Particle and Nuclear Physics which will introduce new areas to the students. Required practicals will be integrated at the relevant points.
In Year 13 the level of demand increases with Further Mechanics and Fields illustrates how models can be applied across the different areas of gravitational, electric and magnetic fields. Students will then follow one of four options based partially on student preference - Astrophysics, Medical physics, Turning points in physics, Engineering physics, Electronics.