PHYSICS (AQA)

Cottingham, Hessle and Wolfreton Sixth Form College

Who is the course aimed at?     

This course is aimed at students who have demonstrated a sound understanding of the subject during their GCSE studies and who are looking to extend their knowledge and understanding further. Students should have an ability to:

• Follow and develop practical instructions
• Record and interpret data in a range of formats
• Use a wide range of resources to consolidate concepts  Work in teams, employing different learning strategies  Work independently

Learning will take place through:

• Teacher led activities and interactive teaching introducing new material
• Practical experiments and modelling
• Regular homework tasks to consolidate new material and research new concepts
• The use of dedicated text books and revision guides  The use of past exam questions and mark schemes  Student centred activities
• Working in groups to solve problems and develop ideas
• Develop analytical skill in response to experimentation data

What will you learn?     

Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and its ideas and principals are the foundations for all other science subjects. This course offers a broad vision of physics as it is today.

There are nine units studied:

Year 12

• 1 Measurements and Their Errors
• 2 Particles and Radiation 
• 3 Waves 
• 4 Mechanics and Materials 
• 5 Electricity 

Year 13

• 6 Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics 
• 7 Fields and Their Consequences 
• 8 Nuclear Physics 
• 12 Turning Points in Physics 

Following on from your GCSE studies you will explore the subject and its uses in the modern world looking at a variety of phenomena in a practical and in depth way.

How will you be assessed?         

Assessment will encompass all nine units.

• Paper 1: Units 1 - 5 and 6.1 (Periodic Motion)                                                                      Written paper - 2 hours / 34% of A Level

• Paper 2: Units 7 - 8 and 6.2 (Thermal Physics)                                                                    Written paper - 2 hours / 34% of A Level

• Paper 3: A - Practical Skills and Data Analysis. B - Unit 12                                                Written paper - 2 hours / 32% of A Level

Enrichment activities and independent learning?           

There will be informal drop in / revision sessions available to support classroom learning and aid student progress throughout the course.

You will be expected to work more independently and take responsibility for your own learning as well as be prepared to work as part of a group, giving and receiving help from other students.

What and where next?

Successful physics students have a huge advantage in the work place, particularly in fields such as accounting, teaching, medical physics, engineering, mathematics, mechanics, law and optometry; where their scientific skills are highly valued.

Many students progress to university to continue with their studies at degree level. Potential courses include physics, astronomy, engineering, IT, medicine and maths.

More information          

For more information about this course please see the specification below or contact the sixth form team.